What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is widespread
pain in the muscles and soft tissues above and below the waist and on both
sides of the body. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome—a set of symptoms that happen
together but do not have a known cause. In this syndrome, the nervous system
(nerves, spinal cord, and brain) is not able to control what it feels, so
ordinary feelings from your muscles, joints, and soft tissues are experienced
as pain. People with fibromyalgia feel pain and/or tenderness even when there
is no injury or inflammation.
Fibromyalgia does not harm your
muscles, joints, or organs, and there are many things you can do to control it.
When it is not controlled, you may not have any energy, or you may feel
depressed or have trouble sleeping. These and other symptoms can be bad enough
to cause problems with your work and home life. With treatment, most people
with fibromyalgia are able to continue working and participating in daily
activities. Some people adjust their work duties and lifestyle if their
symptoms are severe.
What causes fibromyalgia?
Experts have theories
about what may cause fibromyalgia, but there is not enough evidence to support
any single cause. Some think that people with fibromyalgia may have nerve cells
that are too sensitive. Others think that chemicals in the brain
(neurotransmitters) may be out of balance. Or it may be related to problems
with the deep phase of sleep.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of
fibromyalgia is pain in the muscles, soft tissues, back, or neck. Also certain
spots on the body hurt when you press directly on them. Experts call these
tender points
, but you may also hear them called trigger points.
Fibromyalgia also causes sleep problems and tiredness.
Less
common symptoms include headaches, morning stiffness, trouble concentrating,
and
irritable bowel syndrome. As with many conditions that
cause
chronic pain, it is common for people with
fibromyalgia to have
anxiety and
depression. These can make you feel worse.
Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting (chronic) condition with no cure. Symptoms
tend to come and go. You may have times when you hurt more, followed by times
when symptoms happen less often, hurt less, or are absent (remissions).
Some people find that their symptoms are worse in cold and damp weather,
during times of stress, or when they try to do too much.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Doctors can find
out if you have fibromyalgia based on two things. One is widespread pain, which
means the pain is on both sides of your body above and below the waist. The
other is tenderness in at least 11 of 18 points when they are pressed. Your
doctor will also take steps to be sure you don't have other conditions that
cause pain, such as
rheumatoid arthritis,
polymyalgia rheumatica,
systemic lupus erythematosus, or other
autoimmune diseases.
How is it treated?
You may be able to control your
symptoms with regular exercise and by finding better ways to handle stress.
Good sleep habits are very important, too. If you have trouble sleeping,
changes to your routine, schedule, and sleep surroundings can help. Counseling
can help you cope with long-term (chronic) pain.
If your symptoms
are troublesome, your doctor can prescribe medicines that help you feel
better.
Symptoms of depression, such as a loss of interest in
things you usually enjoy or changes in eating and sleeping habits, can often be
successfully treated if you tell your doctor about them.
Some
people with fibromyalgia also find
complementary therapies helpful. These include
acupuncture, massage, behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about fibromyalgia: | |
Being diagnosed: | |
Getting treatment: | |
Living with fibromyalgia: | |