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Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder, individuals will complain of widespread muscle pain, fatigue and multiple tender points all over the body. Originally it was thought that this disorder was a type of inflammatory disease of fibrous or connective tissue. The most recent theory is that fibromyalgia has origins in biochemical abnormalities that result in hypersensitivity of the central nervous system. It is important to stress that this disease is not life threatening and does not get worse over time. It can cause an individual to make some lifestyle changes when living with this disease.

This is a difficult disease to diagnose because many of the symptoms are nonspecific and are similar to other diseases and disorders. It has been reported that an average individual with fibromyalgia will see several doctors over several years before receiving a definitive diagnosis. This disease has not always been given support as to it being an actual illness. Until recently, many physicians saw fibromyalgia as a psychiatric problem rather than a physiological illness.

Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed at any age, but usually the symptoms appear between the ages of 20 and 55. Women are more likely to have this disorder than men. There is no specific racial or ethnic groups that develop this disease.

The cause of fibromyalgia is not known. It is believed to be related to multiple biochemical abnormalities. There is a lot of disagreement about the significance and effect of these biochemical factors. There is agreement that both genetic and environmental influences are responsible for determining who will develop this disorder.

Exampes of the abnormalities:

* High substance P levels. This is a substances that is a neurotransmitter in the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord, This substance increases sensitivity to pain, stimuli that are usually not painful become painful

* High nerve growth factor. There are individuals with fibromyalgia that the nerve fibers grew at four times the normal rate and is a factor in producing more substance P

* Low levels of serotonin. This is a neurotransmitter that has an affect on sleep, mood and perception of pain

* Abnormal levels of hormones made by the hypothalmus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands

There are three primary symptoms of individual suffering from fibromyalgia:

* muscle and joint pain

* stiffness

* Fatigue

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made when a individual has constant, chronic and widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at

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