Fibromyalgia Information

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic widespread types of pain in the U.S. The condition affects more than 6 million people.
Fibromyalgia pain is widespread and persistent. There is often deep tenderness. Plus soreness or burning pain, which often causes a lack of sleep. Sometimes, patients also have stiffness in their muscles or flu-like aching.
Fibromyalgia is thought to result from neurological changes in how a patient perceives pain.
To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, patients must have widespread pain lasting at least three months, plus pain in at least 11 of 18 parts of the body known as “tender points.” (According to the American College of Rheumatology.)
Women are much more likely to report having fibromyalgia than men.
The outlook for people with fibromyalgia has never been better. Exercise, diet, and rest can help manage this condition. So can counseling and drug therapy.
Several types of health care providers are available to help manage fibromyalgia. These include rheumatologists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, neurologists, psychiatrists, physiatrists, and pain specialists.
Fibromyalgia places large financial costs on patients and society. It may cause lost work days, as well as lost income and disability payments.
Although fibromyalgia is not a psychological condition, it can impact mood and cause distress. In that way it is similar to other chronic pain conditions. However, the majority of sufferers do not have mood-related disorders.
Do you think you may have fibromyalgia? You need to know you are not alone. Talk to your health care provider. Or contact the National Fibromyalgia Association at 714-921-0150. To visit online, go to www.fmaware.org.