|
Fibromyalgia Introduction |
|
Fibromyalgia
is a condition marked by achy pain,
tenderness, and stiffness in
muscles, areas of tendon insertion,
and soft tissue structures.
Any muscle or fibrous tissue may be
involved. The most common
areas are the neck, shoulders, low
back, thighs, and hands. This
condition does not affect joints.
Fibromyalgia is not
an inflammatory disorder. The
condition may be either generalized
(primary) or localized (secondary),
and is classified as idiopathic
(having no known cause).
Fibromyalgia may
be precipitated by stress, poor
sleep, trauma, exposure to cold, a
systemic disease, or viral
infection. Primary fibromyalgia
is more common in
women than men. Secondary
fibromyalgia is often the
result of trauma, or an
overuse or overworking of the body.
Men are far more likely to get this
class of fibromyalgia.
[1]
|
 |
Pain is the primary
symptom of fibromyalgia. Onset is usually gradual and
diffuse. Secondary fibromyalgia can
have an acute or sudden onset if it
is trauma related. Stiffness is the
second most common complaint. This
too is diffuse, and is usually worse in the morning
and after periods of exertion. T enderness is present and localized
to specific points (tender points). There may be muscle spasm and
tightness.
Non-muscular symptoms
include; poor sleep, insomnia,
anxiety, depression, fatigue, and
irritable bowel syndrome. Many of
the non-muscular symptoms can
exacerbate the muscular symptoms,
resulting in a "feed forward" cycle. [2]
-
It is estimated that
3 to 6 million Americans have
fibromyalgia.
-
As many as 1 in 50
persons are affected.
-
80-90% of the cases
are women, usually in the
childbearing age.
-
Men, children, and
elderly account for the remaining 10-20%
of cases. [3]
|
Learn More About
Fibromyalgia |
|
