| What is fibromyalgia? | | | | of the condition. Some evidence has suggested the |
| Fibromyalgia is a body-wide pain with various tender | | | | fibromyalgia patients have abnormal pain reception |
| spots accompanied by fatigue and other symptoms. | | | | transmitters. This condition causes nerve endings to |
| What are the symptoms of fybromyalgia? | | | | tell the brain there is pain when there is no reason |
| Fibromyalgia is diagnosed after at least three full | | | | for pain. |
| months of widespread body pain in the joints and | | | | Other studies have found that sleep troubles, which |
| muscles with various tender spots. The tender spots | | | | are common among fibromyalgia patients, are actually |
| must include 11 of 18 predetermined by specialists as | | | | key in the development of the condition. Preliminary |
| those that are always present in the condition. The | | | | evidence introduces the theory that a virus or germ |
| tender points are those of fibrous tissue. These are | | | | may be the cause. There may be some evidence |
| usually muscle areas in the buttocks, shoulders, rib | | | | that fibromyalgia is hereditary. Research is ongoing as |
| cage, neck, chest, thighs, knees and arms near the | | | | to the exact cause of fibromyalgia. |
| elbows. It is possible to mistake fibromyalgia | | | | Treatments for fibromyalgia |
| symptoms with those of arthritis. However, arthritis | | | | The symptoms of fibromyalgia often subside when |
| carries with it marked disfigurement of joints and | | | | the stress and trauma of the original circumstances |
| swelling in affected areas that fibromyalgia alone | | | | go away. Treatments administered by health |
| does not. | | | | professionals include but are not limited to |
| The pain in these tender spots especially is described | | | | medications like antidepressants, counseling such as |
| as a deep and gnawing pain that radiated throughout | | | | group therapy and support groups. The topical, roll-on |
| the body from the tender spots. The pain tends to | | | | analgesic Painenz, from Medgen, has been an |
| be worse upon awakening and then again before | | | | effective relief from fibromyalgia pain. |
| bed. | | | | It is always recommended that sufferers begin a |
| Causes of fibromyalgia | | | | strict well balanced diet and avoid caffeine. Some |
| The cause of this ailment is so far unknown. It is | | | | reports indicate that fish oil and certain vitamins have |
| suggested from studies that past emotional and | | | | been helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. |
| physical trauma may have a hand in the development | | | | |