What is fibromyalgia syndrome?
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) or fibromyalgia for short, is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body. Usually, patients experience the pain of fibromyalgia most acutely during rest. FMS can occur in people of any age, but more women than men have FMS.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Many people with FMS say that their entire bodies ache. Their muscles might feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch or burn. The muscle ache symptoms and fatigue felt by people with FMS can feel like the flu. FMS symptoms vary from person to person, but the common symptoms are:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
What causes fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of FMS is not known, but there are triggering events that might make the condition more likely to occur. Some triggers include infection (viral or bacterial), automobile accidents, or the development of another disorder (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism, for example). While these triggering events probably do not cause FMS, they might awaken a physiological abnormality that was already present but previously unnoticed.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Doctors apply pressure on 18 tender point sites on the patient’s body to diagnose fibromyalgia. Patients must have chronic, widespread, musculoskeletal pain that lasts longer than three months in all four quadrants of the body. These quadrants are above and below the waist and on both sides of the body. In addition, back pain of some kind must be present.
How is fibromyalgia treated?
Traditional treatments for FMS are meant to improve sleep quality and limit pain. Deep level sleep is necessary for many body functions. These functions include tissue repair; antibody production; and the regulation of various neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells), hormones, and immune system chemicals. For this reason, the sleep disorders that frequently occur in FMS patients are treated first.
In many cases, medicines to increase the body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain, and immune system function) are prescribed in low doses. In addition to medicines, most patients will need to use other treatment methods as well. These might include:
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Acupuncture or acupressure
- Relaxation/biofeedback techniques
- Osteopathic manipulation (This is a whole system of evaluation and treatment designed to achieve and maintain health by restoring normal function to the body.)
- Chiropractic care
- Therapeutic massage
- A gentle exercise program.
- Injections with lidocaine into the pain sites (called trigger points)
Lifestyle modifications might help patients conserve energy and minimize pain. People with fibromyalgia often find that it is not possible to remain as active as they once were. A main component of lifestyle management is listening to your body and not trying to "over-do." Your doctor might be able to help you develop strategies to manage your lifestyle, or might refer you to a therapist who can work with you to change your daily activities to suit your situation.
Can fibromyalgia be prevented?
There is no known or specific way to prevent fibromyalgia. It is your best interest, however, to remain as healthy as possible. Maintaining a good diet, doing safe exercise, and getting adequate rest are good rules to follow if you hope to prevent any medical condition, including fibromyalgia.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/12/2008...#11979
