by Wendy Burnett

Created on: August 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 31, 2009

Fibromyalgia affects 2-4% of the population, with millions of sufferers world wide. Its big business, not just for reputable companies providing valid, necessary services to sufferers; but also for the fly-by-night rip-off artists who prey on those desperate enough to try anything to find relief from their pain.

Don't lose hope, though, there are plenty of places to find good information that will help you or your loved one cope with the many issues of fibromyalgia and its associated symptoms and syndromes. The first source you should go to is your doctor, who will provide the basic information about your exact diagnoses, and most likely prescribe medications to help control your symptoms.

The next resource you'll need is information on the medications you're taking, so that you can find out what the side effects and interactions of each drug are. Your pharmacist can provide you with "patient inserts" for each medication, but there are more resources available as well.

RxList.com (www.rxlist.com) is an excellent site for information on many drugs. It is easier to read than the tiny type on the patient inserts provided by the pharmaceutical companies, and provides more comprehensive data than the printouts provided by the drug store. Drugs.com (www.drugs.com) provides similar prescription information; and MedlinePlus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.h tml) includes information on herbs and supplements, as well as prescription information.

There are many good sources of information on symptoms, treatments, associated symptoms, and comorbid (coexisting) conditions.

The Arthritis Foundation (http://www.arthritis.org) provides a great deal of information, as well as a magazine you can subscribe to. They are also a good source for newly released study results, and information about ongoing studies.

The National Fibromyalgia Association (http://www.fmaware.org) is another good site to check. They have a provider directory, articles, support group information, and prognosis information, and also offer a magazine to subscribe to.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has a comprehensive page on fibromyalgia, which includes a list of excellent additional resources.

The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association, Inc. (AFSA) funds research into fibromyalgia and publishes reports and updates on that research, as well as having a resource list.

Fibromyalgia-Information-Relief.com has a great deal of information

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