The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.
Here are some of the conditions that are commonly associated with fibromyalgia:
Depression and anxiety
Chronic headache, such as tension headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Dysmenorrhea
Female urethral syndrome (irritable bladder)
Fibromyalgia is more common in women, and in people aged 20-60 years old. Physical or mental stress may also increase your chance of having fibromyalgia.
Symptoms and severity of fibromyalgia are different for everyone.
Fibromyalgia may cause:
Generalized pain and tenderness
Fatigue
Weakness
Poor sleep
Reduced physical endurance
Problems with concentration, thought, or memory
Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:
Weather changes, especially cold, damp weather
Stress or anxiety
Overexertion
Medical illness
Surgery
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
The doctor will look for the following signs:
Widespread pain lasting three months or longer
Tenderness (on physical exam) in specific areas of the body
Your doctor may do tests to make sure your symptoms are not due to other conditions.
The goal of treatment is to relieve or control the symptoms. Physical therapy helps by providing specialized therapeutic services that address the needs of FMS clients, as well as establish individualized programs designed specifically for the FMS client. Exercise can have a life-long benefit, especially for people with fibromyalgia. Exercise can energize your body and calm your mind and at the same time, it can be a great method for stress management.
There are no current guidelines to prevent fibromyalgia.
This content was created using EBSCO's Health Library
RESOURCES:
American College of Rheumatology
http://www.rheumatology.org
The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association
http://www.afsafund.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca
Fibromyalgia Information and Local Support
http://fibromyalgia.ncf.ca
REFERENCES:
About fibromyalgia. National Fibromyalgia Association website. Available at: http://fmaware.org... . Accessed August 9, 2013.
Buckhardt CS, Goldenberg D, Crofford L, et al. Guideline for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome pain in adults and children. Glenview (IL): American Pain Society (APS); 2005. as summarized in National Guideline Clearinghouse 2005;19:7298.
Carville SF, Arendt-Nielsen S, Bliddal H, et al. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis. 2008;67:536-541.
Fibromyalgia. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumat... . Accessed August 9, 2013.
Fibromyalgia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us . Updated July 15, 2013. Accessed August 9, 2013.
Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp . Updated August 2012. Accessed August 9, 2013.
Wierville L. Fibromyalgia: diagnosing and managing a complex syndrome. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2012;24(4):184-92.
2/17/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : Russell IJ, Perkins AT, Michalek JE; Oxybate SXB-26 Fibromyalgia Syndrome Study Group. Sodium oxybate relieves pain and improves function in fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;60:299-309.
4/14/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : Munguía-Izquierdo D, Legaz-Arrese A. Assessment of the effects of aquatic therapy on global symptomatology in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008;89:2250-2257.
4/22/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : Sañudo B, Galiano D, Carrasco L, Blagojevic M, de Hoyo M, Saxton J. Aerobic exercise versus combined exercise therapy in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;91(12):1838-1843.
4/22/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : Carson JW, Carson KM, Jones KD, Bennett RM, Wright CL, Mist SD. A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia. Pain. 2010;151(2):530-539.
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