If you suffer from aches,
stiffness, increased sensitivity to pain, or other arthritis-like symptoms, it could be fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a common rheumatic condition that accounts for 15–20% of visits to rheumatologists. Fibromyalgia is not a form of arthritis as it does not cause inflammation to the joints, muscles, or other tissues. Instead, fibromyalgia causes pain and stiffness in tissues around the joints.
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but there are several theories under study, including abnormalities of the central nervous system, sleep disturbances, and the possibility that it is triggered by a viral infection or an injury.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain, aches, and stiffness that may occur all over the body, moderate to severe fatigue, trouble sleeping, depression and anxiety, difficulty thinking and concentrating, and increased sensitivity to pain.
Because symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to those of many other disorders, it is difficult to diagnose. You may see several doctors before getting a correct diagnosis. No x-ray, biopsy, or blood test can identify fibromyalgia. However, the American College of Rheumatology has developed a set of criteria to diagnose fibromyalgia, including widespread pain, present for at least three months; pain located on both sides of the body, above and below the waist; and pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points.
Once you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, your doctor will work with you to develop a multifaceted treatment approach that may include pain medications, improving sleep patterns, exercise, psychological counseling, and complementary therapies. You may also need to work on your day-to-day activities to avoid repetitive motions that cause fatigue and increase pain. Treatments that are not recommended include excessive rest and avoidance of activities, botox injections, and herbs or supplements that claim to cure fibromyalgia.
If you are living with fibromyalgia, working with your doctor and sticking to your treatment plan can do a lot towards relieving your symptoms. Also, medications are under study that may soon yield new treatments.
Fibromyalgia Trigger Points
Tender points—specific spots that are quite painful when pressure is applied to them—are typical in fibromyalgia. Tender points usually are present on both sides of the body. To test for pain at the tender points, your physician will apply about nine pounds of pressure per square inch (equivalent to pressing your thumb on a hard surface until the tip of your thumbnail begins to turn white). The pressure may be applied with one or two fingers, or with a special device called a dolorimeter. Fibromyalgia is easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. It is important that you seek medical attention from a rheumatologist or a physician who is experienced in diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia.
