About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a real and sometimes disabling condition that
was first recognized and named by doctors of rheumatology,
probably because it is characterized by widespread chronic pain
and stiffness, numerous chronic tender points (more than 11 of 18)
and chronic fatigue with exertion intolerance reminiscent of
arthritis and autoimmune disease. Other typical symptoms include
disordered or unrefreshing sleep patterns, headaches, mood or
cognitive complaints (such as "brain fog"), irritable bowel
syndrome, and other types of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Symptom flares occur with increased exertion, systemic infections,
soft tissue injuries, lack of sleep, cold exposure, and
psychological stressors. Related symptoms and syndromes include
restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bladder
syndrome, migraine headaches, multiple chemical sensitivities,
neurally mediated hypotension, cognitive dysfunction, cold
sensitivity, unexplained dizziness, and others.
Strangely enough, as we learn more about it, we discover that
Fibromyalgia is actually different than arthritis, because it
doesn't cause visible destruction of joints or definite
inflammation and autoimmunity on blood tests. Instead, there seems
to be a disturbance of the central nervous system, resulting in
increased pain sensitivity and abnormal central pain processing.
which in turn contributes to more pain, tightness and spasm of the
tension bearing muscles, connective tissues and associated areas
of the brain. Substance P, a neurotransmitter that causes and is a
sign of pain, is elevated in spinal fluid of patients with
Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia typically strikes women three times more often
than men, with a median age of 40-50, either definite or gradual
in onset, often following periods of emotional stress, and
sometimes associated with infection, hormone shifts such as
menopause, surgery, or mechanical trauma. The prevalence is
thought to amount to 20 cases per 1,000 population, or 3.4% women
and .5% of men, obviously much more common than Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome. There is an increasing incidence with age, with
prevalence reaching 23% in people over 70 years of age. Our
understanding of Fibromyalgia is growing, but the official case
definition originally published by the American College of
Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation, is accepted by all
knowledgeable specialties of medicine.
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