Fibromyalgia
(Fibromyositis; Fibrositis)
Definition:
Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic, and disabling 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.
The following conditions are commonly associated with fibromyalgia:
- Depression and anxiety
- Physical or mental stress
- Viral infection
- Inadequate sleep
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- 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
- Tension headaches
- Migraine headaches
- Skin complaints (itchy, dry or blotchy skin)
- Lightheadedness or balance problems
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
- Physical trauma (i.e., accident, injury, or severe illness)
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 thorough 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 three 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
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, acetaminophen, or other analgesic drugs, to reduce pain
- Cortisone or lidocaine injections into specific areas of tenderness or pain
- Low dose antidepressants to help relax muscles, decrease pain, and improve sleep
Physical Therapies
- Instruction and guidance in gentle, low-impact exercise and stretching
- Application of heat to painful areas
- Massage
- Relaxation training
- Trigger point therapy
- 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, preferably 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.
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