The Facts About Fibromyalgia

[Guest guest]

Article I came across...

The Facts About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common and chronic

disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue and multiple

tender points.

The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue

(fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia). Tender

points are specific places on the body -- on the neck, shoulders, back,

hips and upper and lower extremities -- where people with fibromyalgia

feel pain in response to slight pressures.

Although fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-related

condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis -- a disease of the

joints -- because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the

joints, muscles or other tissues. Similar to arthritis, fibromyalgia

can cause significant pain and fatigue and it can interfere with a

person's ability to carry on daily activities. Also similar to

arthritis, fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition.

People with fibromyalgia also may have other symptoms, such as trouble

sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, painful menstrual periods,

tingling or numbness in hands and feet and problems with thinking and

memory -- sometimes called " fibro fog. "

The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown. There may be a number of

factors involved. Fibromyalgia has been linked to stressful or

traumatic events such as car accidents, repetitive injuries, illness

and certain diseases. Fibromyalgia also can occur on its own. Some

scientists think a gene or genes might be involved in fibromyalgia. The

genes could make a person react strongly to things other people would

not find painful.

According to a paper published by the American College of Rheumatology,

fibromyalgia affects 3-6 million -- or as many as one in 50 --

Americans. For unknown reasons, between 80-90 percent of those

diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. But men and children also can be

affected. Most people are diagnosed during middle age, although the

symptoms often become present earlier in life.

People with certain rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis,

systemic lupus erythematosus -- commonly called lupus -- or ankylosing

spondylitis, more commonly called spinal arthritis, may be more likely

to have fibromyalgia, too.

Several studies indicate women who have a family member with

fibromyalgia are more likely to have fibromyalgia themselves. But the

exact reason for this -- whether it be hereditary or caused by

environmental factors or both -- is unknown. One study supported by the

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

is trying to identify if certain genes predispose some people to

fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia can be hard to treat. It is important to find a doctor who

is familiar with the disorder and its treatment. Many family

physicians, general internists or rheumatologists can treat

fibromyalgia. Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in arthritis

and other conditions affecting the joints or soft tissues.

Fibromyalgia treatment often requires a team approach. The team may

include your doctor, a physical therapist and possibly other health

care providers. A pain or rheumatology clinic can be a good place to

get treatment.

In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lyrica as the

first drug to treat fibromyalgia. Doctors also treat fibromyalgia with

medicines approved for other purposes. Pain medicines and

antidepressants are often used in treatment.

There are many things you can do to feel better, including taking

medicines as prescribed, getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well

and making work changes if necessary.

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Be a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ