Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, and soft tissue tenderness. Any body part can be involved, but the most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle and hands. In addition to chronic pain, other common symptoms include general fatigue, irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, impaired memory, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression.
Individuals of any age can get it and women are seven times more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known. Some scientists think it may be caused by an injury. Others think that a virus may cause it. It is more common if other family members have it.
The pain can vary from day to day. Some days it may be very hard to do even easy things, and other days it may be easy to do those same things.The pain can move around and be worse in those parts of the body used the most. The fatigue can vary also. It may be just a mild tired feeling one day and a feeling of being exhausted another day. Fibromyalgia is not crippling. It does not shorten a person's life.
Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia are very much like many other diseases, diagnosis can be difficult. Currently, no laboratory tests can diagnosis the illness. Diagnosis is based on taking careful history and finding tender areas in specific areas of muscle. The diagnosis can then be made if there has been pain for a minimum duration of 3 months and there is tenderness or pain in at least 11 of 18 specific tender points when pressure is applied. There must be pain at tender points both above and below the waist and on both sides of the body.
Treatment may include a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation. Exercise is the most important part of the treatment. It will make the pain and tenderness less and easier to live with. Walking, stationary cycling, or swimming are the most suitable activities for fibromyalgia patients. To start exercising, it may be best to start with five minutes a day. The walking time can be slowly increased to the level that works best. Exercise may need to be done every day to help with the pain. Heat and massage may also help.
Antidepressant medicines in very low doses may help with sleep and relax the muscles. Some people with fibromyalgia may have restless legs syndrome. Treating this may help with sleep. Usually non- steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen help very little. If needed, the provider may order other pain medicines that can be used for a few days. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).
It is important to remember that although uncomfortable, fibromyalgia is not life-threatening. It is not a crippling illness. The outlook is good for people who exercise regularly. With good management of the symptoms, it may even go into remission. Support groups of other people with fibromyalgia may be helpful.
Last Reviewed 2005
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIL File BONE4243.RF2 VRS# 4243 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2000, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.
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