Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, arthritis-like illness. It affects the muscles, not the joints.

Signs & Symptoms

• Chronic widespread pain on both sides of the body. This lasts for at least 3 months. Muscle pain can be severe.
• Pain in 11 or more of 22 “tender points.”
• Fatigue. Disturbed sleep. Anxiety. Depression.
• Memory lapses. Problems concentrating. Feeling confused.
• Chronic headaches. Jaw pain. A tingling feeling in the limbs.
• Irritable bowel. Swelling and pain in the abdomen. Gas. Constipation. Diarrhea.

Tender points of fibromyalgia

Causes

The exact cause is not known. Factors to play a role include:

• An illness caused by an infection. Emotional or physical trauma.
• Hormones. Women are affected more often than men.
• Heightened sensitivity to pain
• Family history

Treatment

• Movement and exercise therapies. May include physical therapy.
• Medication to manage pain and other symptoms, or antidepressants to treat certain symptoms or to prevent flare-ups.
• Massage therapy
• Cognitive behavior therapy to learn strategies to manage pain, stress, negative thoughts, and depression
• May include complementary therapies, such as acupuncture or myofascial release therapy

Self-Care

• Follow the treatment plan advised by your doctor.
• Reduce stress. Use relaxation techniques.
• Get enough sleep.
• Take warm baths. Apply heat. Massage sore muscles.
• Get regular physical activity.
• Manage your energy levels. Rest when you need to.