What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a common, painful condition of soft tissues, mainly muscles which causes widespread pain, fluctuating fatigue, stiffness, poor sleep, concentration and memory problems (fibro-fog), headaches, depression, irritable bladder & bowel, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, allergies, neurologic symptoms, visual symptoms, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction and others.

The term "Fibromyalgia" comes from the latin words:

      fibro - fibrous tissue,         my - muscle,        algia - pain

It is a unique and medically accepted syndrome with specific symptoms and physical findings.  It is not considered an inflamation.  At this time there is no known cause.  Fibromyalgia is not life threatening, but it is a painful condition that can cause severe problems with which to cope.  Fibromyalgia will not cripple or paralyze you, or turn into another disease.

What is the history and background of Fibromyalgia?

First described in 1904 in a medical journal as a cause of back pain (fibrositis).  In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology developed criteria to make the diagnosis of fibromyalgia; 16 centers in the United States and Canada were involved in the study.  The criteria is when an individual has a history of widespread pain for at least three months and pain occuring in eleven of eighteen distinct tender point sites with palpation or pressure by a qualified physician.  The presence of tender points is the main criteria used to diagnose fibromyalgia.  The eighteen tender points are located in nine areas of the body on both sides.  Fibromyalgia is not a "catch-all" disease, it is a very real, painful condition with very real signs and symptoms. 

Who gets fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a worldwide condition.  Women are diagnosed about 7 - 10 times more than men.  You can get fibromyalgia at any age, but the onset of symptoms are usually between the ages of 25 to 45. 

What are some possible causes of Fibromyalgia?

genetics, trauma, infections, allergic factors, neurotransmitter abnormalities, endocrine abnormalities, autoimmune mechanisms, biochemical and neurological mechanisms and others.

How do you live with fibromyalgia?

With a lot of hope and help from a qualified doctor.  The goal is to achieve the highest level of function and quality of life with the least amount of pain and fatigue.

What are some choices of treatment for fibromyalgia?

Using various healthcare professionals who treat fibromyalgia and it's associated conditions by conventional medicine.  This can include your family physician, a specialist such as physiatrist or rheumatologist, a physical therapist, psychologist, chiropractor and others.  Also used, together or separate, is alternative medicine.  This can include magnetic therapy, acupuncture, nutritional therapy, massotherapy, biofeedback, healing movements and visualizations,and others.

What are some things I can use to help me live with my fibromyalgia?

The products offered on our site have been demonstrated to be quite useful in day-to-day living with fibromyalgia, because they could be quite helpful to reduce pain, muscle spasms and fatigue.

 

Reference (for all answers): Fibromyalgia, Up Close and Personal, Dr. Mark J. Pellegrino   (offered on the Literature page of our website.  Buy it, there is no better guidebook!)

Never Underestimate the power of hope and being positive!  We care, please let us hear from you.