WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition characterized by persistent widespread muscle pain, chronic
fatigue, disrupted and unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive difficulties. It is often accompanied by tensiontype or migraine headaches, symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, TMJ pain, and abnormal
periods.
Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States. While it is most prevalent in
young and middle age women, it also occurs in men of all ages and ethnic groups.
Recent research has shown that fibromyalgia is part of a neurosensory disorder characterized in part
by abnormalities in pain processing by the central nervous system. Patients with fibromyalgia often
have overlapping symptoms with other diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel
syndrome and restless leg syndrome.
DIAGNOSIS
Since fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion, a detailed history and a thorough physical examination
as well as a comprehensive laboratory evaluation must be done to rule out the presence of other
disorders that could be the cause of symptoms.
In addition to common laboratory tests that performed during a yearly physical exam, vitamin levels,
food and environmental allergies, arthritis/inflammation markers, hepatitis panel, thyroid, adrenal as
well as women/men’s hormones are also checked.
TREATMENT GOALS
It is true that fibromyalgia has no cure, but lifestyle changes combined with proper medications can
help the individual control symptoms and achieve significant improvement. The goal of therapy is to
reduce pain, improve fatigue and return to near normal functionality.
The overall approach for chronic pain in fibromyalgia involves a multifaceted treatment plan that
incorporates aerobic exercise, healthy diet, stress management, sleep restoration, and use of
conventional as well as alternative medicine to help reduce inflammation and control pain and flare
ups.
