Myths

[Guest guest]

I wanted to paste the whole thing from that site. It is a list of all

the common myths about fibromyalgia. I had posted this in my blog last

year on May 12 - Fibromyalgia Awareness day.

http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/articles/Fibromyalgia_Myths.as\

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*Myths and Misconceptions*

*Myth:* Fibromyalgia is all in my head.*

Fact:* Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome characterized by chronic

widespread musculoskeletal pain with multiple tender points, fatigue and

poor sleep.

*Myth:* I could die from fibromyalgia.*

Fact:* Fibromyalgia is NOT life threatening.

*Myth:* Fibromyalgia is a new and rare condition.*

Fact:* The symptoms of fibromyalgia have been present for hundreds of

years, but have been called many different names in the past. Some of

the older names include fibrositis, fibromyositis, tension myalgia,

muscular rheumatism and psychogenic rheumatism. Because of the

confusing and misleading nature of these terms, the name fibromyalgia

was coined in the mid-1980s to more adequately reflect the true nature

of the syndrome which involves pain in the muscles and soft connective

tissue. Fibromyalgia is a common condition, affecting nearly 6 million

Americans (Wallace and Wallace, 1999).

* Myth:* Fibromyalgia will cause serious damage to my body.*

Fact:* Fibromyalgia does not appear to cause progressive

deterioration or damage to the body. Many people report that their

symptoms have progressed over time. What many people are experiencing

is a decline in their level of functioning. This is a common occurrence

that usually can be reversed. When you are in pain or fatigued, it is

common to decrease your activity level---this decreased activity leads

to deconditioned muscles. Simple tasks, such as sweeping or washing

dishes, can seem monumental when you are deconditioned.

*Myth:* Only women suffer from fibromyalgia.*

Fact:* According to research, women are 10 times more likely to have

fibromyalgia, but men do suffer from the syndrome as well.

*Myth:* Fibromyalgia is seen only in older adults.*

Fact:* Fibromyalgia is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to

50, but it is seen in people of all ages, including children.

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