Arthritis: Fibromyalgia

• What causes fibromyalgia?
• What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
• Who gets fibromyalgia?
• How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
• How is fibromyalgia treated?
• What medications are used to treat fibromyalgia?
• What exercises should people with fibromyalgia consider?
• What are some techniques I can use to reduce stress and relax?
• What is the long-term outlook for people with fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by aching and pain in muscles, tendons, and joints all over the body, but especially along the spine. The body also is tender to touch in specific areas, called tender or trigger points. The primary symptom is pain, and stress can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.

Fibromyalgia is not associated with muscle, nerve or joint injury; inadequate muscle repair; or any serious bodily damage or disease. Also, people who have fibromyalgia are not at greater risk for any other musculoskeletal disease.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Researchers have not been able to pinpoint one identifiable cause for fibromyalgia, but there are many theories. One theory suggests that stress contributes to the onset of fibromyalgia. Other possible causes are:

• Disordered sleep patterns, which can lead to fatigue and a lower pain tolerance.
• Abnormal production of pain-related chemicals in the nervous system.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Bodily pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Although the pain of fibromyalgia can be felt all over the body, there usually are certain areas of the body that are tender even to light touch. In addition, the pain is usually worse when a person is trying to relax and is less noticeable during busy activities or exercise.

Other symptoms often are associated with the pain, including:

• Sleep disturbance
• Depression
• Daytime tiredness
• Headaches
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Feelings of weakness
• Memory difficulties
• Dizziness

Stress often makes the symptoms of fibromyalgia worse.

Who Gets Fibromyalgia?

Women are affected by fibromyalgia seven times more commonly than men. People typically first develop symptoms in their 20s or 30s. In the U.S., about 5 million people, or 2% of the population, have fibromyalgia.

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on the results of a combination of tests and symptoms, including:

• Complete medical history and physical exam (to exclude other illnesses that may have similar symptoms such as rheumatoid arthritis, muscle inflammation, bursitis or tendonitis).
• Presence of widespread pain together with some of the other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
• Presence of very tender areas ("tender/trigger points") at specific locations. (People who have fibromyalgia experience abnormal sensitivity when light pressure is applied to at least 11 out of 18 specific areas on the body.)