Information for the Family about Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition in which chronic pain is present in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia may be present in as much as two percent of the United States population. Unfortunately, there is still much research neded to better understand the disease.

Causes

• Though no concrete cause has been determined for fibromyalgia, it is believed that an infection, severe trauma (either physical or emotional), or genetics may play a role in its causation.

Risk Factors

• Multiple factors may put you at a greater risk for developing fibromyalgia. These factors include your gender (more women than men are diagnosed with the disease), age, family history, and the presence of other diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of fibromyalgia may include any of the following: aching muscles, tender points on the body, fatigue, chronic pain, and disturbed sleep or insomnia.

Diagnosis

• There are no lab tests to diagnose fibromyalgia. However, the American College of Rheumatology has designed two main criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis. First, there must be a history of widespread pain throughout the body. Second, the patient must experience pain on 11 of 18 tender point sites on the body.

Treatment

• Treatment for fibromyalgia usually includes a combination of a variety of methods and medications. Treatments may include physical therapy, mental health counseling, analgesic medications, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants.