| Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic | | | | condition. Clinical diagnosis of this disease is normally |
| pain, stiffness and tenderness of muscles, tendons | | | | based on a history of chronic widespread pain that |
| and joints. This problem does not cause body | | | | persists for more than three months. This has to be |
| damage or deformities but it can lead to fatigue and | | | | accompanied by tenderness in at least 11 of 18 |
| sleep disorders. Although this condition is normally | | | | specific tender point sites. Diagnosis is normally made |
| considered arthritis-related, it is not a form of arthritis | | | | during middle age although the symptoms may |
| because it does not cause inflammation in the joints. | | | | manifest earlier on in life. If you have suffered from |
| However just like arthritis, this problem can also | | | | any of the rheumatic diseases for example |
| cause significant pain and fatigue. It can similarly | | | | rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or spinal arthritis, you are |
| interfere with your ability to carry out your daily | | | | more likely to suffer from this condition. |
| activities. Other symptoms of this disease are | | | | The most effective treatment for fibromyalgia |
| headaches, painful menstrual periods and numbness | | | | involves a combination of exercise, medication, |
| or tingling. Restless legs, temperature sensitivity and | | | | physical therapy and stress reduction. Studies have |
| cognitive as well as memory problems are the other | | | | also shown that aerobics, swimming as well as |
| symptoms. | | | | walking improve muscle fitness and this helps to |
| Fibromyalgia affects mostly women and only about | | | | reduce muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and |
| 10 to 20 percent of men are affected by this | | | | massage are said to give short-term relief. |