The term fibromyalgia means pain in fibrous and muscular tissues. It is a chronic (ongoing) condition of pain, stiffness, and usually fatigue.
Fibromyalgia affects several million people in the US. It is more common in younger adults, and more women have it than men.
What fibromyalgia is exactly, or what causes it, is not known. Studies have shown that many people with the condition have abnormal brain waves (EEGs) during sleep. Others have less of the hormone called cortisol. Stress, anxiety, depression, illness, or poor sleep may contribute to the problem. The symptoms may get worse when you overexert yourself or when the weather is damp and cold.
Pain is the main symptom. The aches, pains, and stiffness in muscles, joints, and soft tissues vary from day to day or week to week. The pain also tends to move from one part of the body to another. It is most common in the neck, chest, arms, legs, hips, and back.
Other common symptoms are:
Younger adults with fibromyalgia are more likely to have chronic headaches, anxiety, and symptoms worsened by weather, mental stress, or poor sleep.
There is no single diagnostic test for fibromyalgia. Your health care provider will ask about your medical history and your patterns of symptoms. He or she will examine you, looking for places that are tender.
If, after considering your medical history and examining you, your health care provider is not sure about your diagnosis, he or she may order a test to look for abnormal sleep patterns. This test is called a sleep electroencephalogram. You may also have a test to check the level of cortisol in your blood, to see if your body is making enough.
The most successful treatment for fibromyalgia is a healthy diet, balanced exercise, and rest.
The diet should include a large variety of fruits and vegetables. These foods provide the body with trace elements and minerals that help the muscles. Also, the fiber in fruits and vegetables helps the digestive system.
Exercise affects the levels of many biochemicals in the body, particularly in the nervous system. This may be why symptoms of fibromyalgia often improve when people exercise regularly. Because much of the pain of fibromyalgia is in the muscles and joints, you should begin an exercise program gradually, as recommended by your health care provider. Include good warm-ups and cool-downs. Do types of exercise that do not hurt your joints.
Rest is as important as diet and exercise in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Make sure you get enough restful sleep. In the evening avoid stimulating foods and drinks (such as coffee) and certain medicines (for example, decongestants).
If diet, exercise, and adequate rest do not relieve your symptoms, your health care provider may prescribe medicine. The drugs might include antidepressants (which can help relieve pain even without depression), muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Your provider can also help to find other ways to reduce your pain and fatigue. For example, you may benefit from heat or massage therapy or a home exercise program recommended by a physical therapist.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic problem. The symptoms sometimes improve and at other times worsen, but they will probably continue for months to years. Although the illness can produce much discomfort, it does not shorten your life.
There is no known way to prevent fibromyalgia. However, as with many medical problems, staying as healthy as possible with regular exercise, a good diet, and enough rest may be the best prevention.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File BJM3177F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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