Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread pain and stiffness in the muscles, tendons and ligaments, along with unrefreshing sleep and fatigue.

Causes

The exact cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown. It is thought to be a chemical imbalance in the brain.
The following conditions are commonly associated with Fibromyalgia:
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Physical or mental stress
  • Physical injury
  • Viral infection
  • Inadequate sleep
  • Eating disorders
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Irritable bladder
  • Severe menstrual cramps
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Tempromandibular joint disease (TMJ)
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Raynaud's disease, which impairs blood flow to the hands and feet

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Sex: female
  • Age: 20-60 years old
  • Physical or mental stress

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person.
Common symptoms include:
  • Generalized fatigue or tiredness
  • Reduced physical endurance
  • Generalized aches and pains of muscles, tendons and ligaments
  • Muscle tightening or spasms
  • Pain in specific areas of the body, especially:
    • Neck
    • Shoulders
    • Chest
    • Back (upper and lower)
    • Hips and thighs
  • Insomnia or poor sleep
  • Sensations of numbness or swelling (although swelling is not actually present)
  • Chronic headaches, including migraines
  • Morning stiffness, worst on first arising
Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:
  • Weather changes, especially cold, damp weather
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Overexertion
  • Medical illness
  • Surgery

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. There are no specific tests for Fibromyalgia.
The doctor will look for the following signs to determine if you have Fibromyalgia:
  • Widespread pain lasting 3 months or longer
  • Tenderness (on physical exam) in at least 11 of 18 specific areas of the body

Treatment

The goal of Fibromyalgia treatment is to relieve or control the symptoms. Treatments include:
Medication
  • Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain
  • Cortisone or lidocaine injections into specific areas of tenderness or pain
  • Antidepressants to help improve mood, relax muscles, and improve sleep
Physical Therapies
  • Instruction and guidance in gentle low, impact exercise and stretching
  • Application of heat to painful areas
  • Massage
  • Relaxation training
  • Biofeedback
Lifestyle Changes
  • Eating a healthful diet
  • Learning to cope with physical and mental stress
  • Regular, moderate, low impact exercise with your doctor's approval. Try gentle exercise that does not strain painful areas, such as:
    • Walking
    • Biking
    • Swimming in warmer water
  • Regular stretching exercises
  • Maintaining a regular sleep schedule

Prevention

There are no definite guidelines for preventing Fibromyalgia because the cause is not known. However, the following may reduce your chances of getting this disorder:
  • Learning to cope with or minimize stress
  • Keeping good sleep habits
  • Avoiding overexertion
  • Eating a healthful diet