An Introduction to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is painful condition, which can include tenderness and stiffness, which affects the components of the muscles, the connective tissues and The ligaments. Flu-like symptoms are frequently the most pronounced symptoms of Fibromyalgia. The areas most affected are the lower back, neck, shoulders, thorax and thighs. Fibromyalgia symptoms can Resemble arthritis and may feel like a disease of the joints, but it has been successfully proven that it is not a true form of arthritis, due to the findings that it does not cause deformities to the joints.

Fibromylagia is a "sensitivity-amplification syndrome" and can be receptive to scent, sound, pressure, vibrations and temperature changes. Sleep depravation plays a major role in FMS, because while in deep sleep our bodies heal and many of the neurotransmitters are refurbished. Patients with FMS are sleep deprived, which causes the inability of the bodies natural healing mechanisms to restore.

The pain associated with this syndrome has been described as specific, chronic, non-degenerative, non-progressive, non-inflammatory and systemic. The symptoms of Fibromyalgia seem to wax and wane and are more noticeable with the use of muscles particularly with repetitive activities.

Other symptoms of Fibromyalgia include a decreased sense of energy and fatigue, sleep disturbances, degrees of anxiety and depression tension headaches, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bladder syndrome, premenstrual tension syndrome, cold intolerance and restless leg syndrome.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia, is based on symptoms, because there are no blood tests and or x-rays that can determine this syndrome. The diagnosis is based on the findings of "tender points" and "trigger points". These areas are tender to palpation and often the muscles seem somewhat hardened if the muscle is stroked. The pain can be distributed in other areas in which the term "trigger points" come into play.

For the diagnosis of FMS, pain must be found in at least 11 of the 18 tender point's sites. They are as follows:

1. Either side of the base of the skull where the subocciptal muscles insert.
2. Either side of the neck between the 5th and 7th cervical vertebra
3. Midpoint of muscle which runs from the neck to the shoulder
4. Either side of the body where the muscle runs along the upper border of the shoulder blade
5. Either side of the upper part of the rib, where the second rib meets the breast bone
6. On the outer aspect of either elbow
7. In the large buttock muscle, either side
8. Behind either hip joint
9. On either knee in the fatty pad above the joint

INFORMATIONAL WEBSITES:

What Your Urologist Should Know - by Devin Starlanyl, MD

The Neuroscience and Endocrinology of Fibromyalgia - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Scientific Workshop Summary

Questions and Answers About Fibromyalgia - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Website - Dr. Devin Starlanyl, MD

The Fibromyalgia Network

Fibromyalgia Resource Center

Fibromyalgia Research: Challenges and Opportunities - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Books Worth Reading:

Fibromyalgia Advocate : Getting the Support You Need to Cope With Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The Fibromyalgia Relief Book: 213 Ideas for Improving Your Quality of Life
Author: Miryam Ehrlich Williamson
In her groundbreaking "Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach", Miryam Williamson discussed causes, diagnosis, and treatments. Now she focuses on self-help, dispensing useful advice on diet, sleep aids, pain control, and more for those with fibromyalgia (FM).