Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, long-lasting or chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness in muscles, joints, and tendons. Unlike similar muscle and joint pain disorders, popularly called rheumatic disorders, fibromyalgia pain occurs without swelling. Fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of sensitive areas, called tender points, commonly found in the elbows, knees, hips, and back of the head. Touching these tender points may trigger severe discomfort and widespread pain and muscle spasm. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, fatigue, poor concentration, and headaches. People with fibromyalgia are also more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic disorder that causes abdominal cramping and discomfort. Found in all age groups and in both sexes, the condition primarily affects women aged between 20 and 40 years.

Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, many different factors, such as stress or inadequate sleep, may trigger or worsen the symptoms. Researchers are investigating possible connections between fibromyalgia and abnormal levels of hormones and neurotransmitters (chemicals that regulate the body’s physical processes). Certain infectious agents, such as the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and HIV, which causes AIDS, may also be linked to fibromyalgia.

Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia by determining if a patient has soreness in at least 11 of 18 possible tender points and widespread body pain without swelling. If both of these symptoms are present, a positive diagnosis is confirmed after the doctor administers a series of blood tests to eliminate the possibility of other disorders that create similar symptoms, such as arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and thyroid disorders.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but a number of treatments can ease its symptoms. Careful stretching and low-impact exercise, stress reduction, and improved sleep patterns may offer relief. Doctors may inject pain-relieving medications, such as analgesics or cortisone, directly into a patient’s tender points to reduce pain and muscle spasm. Small doses of certain antidepressants, taken in the evening, may help relax muscles and improve sleep.