by Raeann Hoppes

Created on: November 16, 2009

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic widespread types of pain in the U.S. Patients with fibromyalgia often experience:

* Chronic widespread body pain in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and legs
* Deep tenderness, soreness, and flu-like aching
* Poor sleep, stiffness, and fatigue
* Dull pain in muscles, tendons, and ligaments

Who is affected?

* It's estimated that approximately 5% to 7% of the U.S. population have fibromyalgia
* Women are more likely to have fibromyalgia
* It affects all ages and races
* Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years old
* Fibromyalgia has a serious impact on patients' families, friends, and employers.

What are the symptoms?
Fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of multiple tender points and a collection of other symptoms.


* Profound, widespread, and chronic
* Migrating to all parts of the body and varying in intensity
* Described as deep muscular aching, throbbing, twitching, stabbing, and shooting pain
* Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient
* The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning
* Aggravating factors that affect the pain may include: cold/humid weather, not feeling refreshed or feeling more tired after sleeping, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety, and stress


* The fatigue of fibromyalgia is much more than being tired. It is an overwhelming exhaustion
* It feels like every drop of energy has been drained from the body
* It can leave the patient with a limited ability to function both mentally and physically


* Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder
* this disorder prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep

Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about causes or triggers of the disorder. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may be caused by a trauma or injury. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be linked with changes in muscles such as decreased blood flow causing fatigue and reduced strength. Others believe a virus in vulnerable people may trigger the syndrome, but no such illness has been identified.

The number one symptom for people who suffer from fibromyalgia is an intense flu like ache all over the body. Widespread pain is felt in places such as; legs, arms, chest, back, hands, feet, cheekbones, and jaw. It has

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