What is it? Fibromyalgia is a common and disabling disorder affecting 2-4% of the population, women more often than men. Despite the condition's frequency, the diagnosis is often missed. Patients with Fibromyalgia usually ache all over, sleep poorly, are stiff on waking, and are tired all day. They are prone to headaches, memory and concentration problems, dizziness, numbness and tingling, itching, fluid retention, cramping abdominal or pelvic pain and diarrhea, and  several other symptoms. There are several tender   spots on people with FMS. (See areas in black  on chart this page)

What causes it?  Fibromyalgia has mistakenly been thought to be either an inflammatory or a psychiatric condition. However, no evidence of inflammation or arthritis has been  found, and it is now believed that depression and anxiety when present are more often the result than the cause of Fibromyalgia. There is better evidence that Fibromyalgia is due to an abnormality of deep sleep. Abnormal brain waveforms have been found in  deep sleep in many patients with Fibromyalgia.

How is it treated? Taking medication by itself has relatively little effect on Fibromyalgia symptoms. Successful treatment  requires active involvement of the patient in his or her care, including:

1. Medication to improve deep sleep.

2. Regular sleep hours and an adequate amount of sleep.

3. Daily gentle aerobic exercise.

4. Avoidance of undue physical/emotional stress.

5. Education

 

 

 

 

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           Last modified: Wednesday October 31, 2001