Fibromyalgia
FIBROMYALGIA (also referred to as fibro, fibrositis, and ‘inappropriacy’ rheumatism).
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a non-malignant chronic pain condition or disorder (not a disease) associated with widespread musculoskeletal (affecting muscles and joints) pain.
Fatigue, poor sleep, memory and mood disturbances, as well as morning stiffness, are common problems.
A physician can diagnose fibromyalgia by the presence of these symptoms and as well by tenderness on palpation of specific tender points that are located in each of the 4 quadrants (parts) of the body (see diagram).
(Tender points are different than trigger points, which can be described as areas of tightness in muscles, often creating referred pain).
FM is often classified as an arthritic or rheumatic condition, and although it is NOT a true ‘disease’, it shares its medical management with other problems related to the immune system like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis, and migraine.
Restless leg syndrome, depression, anxiety, as well as frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) are often present. Hyperalgesia (sensitivity to pain and touch) is common.
Many patients also experience ‘fibrofog'—a loss of mental clarity (fogginess) as well as attention and memory impairments.
Misunderstood and poorly managed for years, fibromyalgia affects 2-9% of the general population, including children; women experience fibromyalgia at a 10:1 ratio to men.
Although FM is not life-threatening, it is a chronic pain condition that needs to be managed 24/7.
Medication is used ‘as needed’ to better assist with sleep and other problems, but scheduling is essential to maintaining as productive a day as possible.
One area of research is focused ‘at the spinal cord level'—questioning why there appears to be some type of spinal disinhibition and a difficulty modulating pain signals in people with FM syndrome.
Like many people with a chronic, non-life-threatening problem, individuals with FM may have to change their physical goals but can live a good and fulfilling life after making some adjustments along the way.
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