Just a quick post to anyone (-; who would like to know about
it but can't work a search engine. (-;
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by
widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple
tender points. "Tender points" refers to tenderness that
occurs in precise, localized areas, particularly in the
neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with this syndrome
may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness,
irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.
How Many People Have Fibromyalgia?
According to the American College of Rheumatology,
fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily
occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the
elderly, and men can also be affected.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers
have several theories about causes or triggers of the
disorder. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may be
caused by an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the
central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with
changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow,
causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the
syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a
virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been
identified.
How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the
symptoms mimic those of other disorders. The physician
reviews the patient's medical history and makes a diagnosis
of fibromyalgia based on a history of chronic widespread
pain that persists for more than 3 months. The American
College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for
fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the
disorder. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered
to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain in
combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific
tender point sites.
How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?
Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach.
The physician, physical therapist, and patient may all play
an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies
have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and
walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and
tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term
relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood,
improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. Patients with
fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise,
medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.
What Research Is Being Conducted on Fibromyalgia?
The NIAMS is sponsoring research that will increase
understanding of the specific abnormalities that cause and
accompany fibromyalgia with the hope of developing better
ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent this disorder.
Recent NIAMS studies show that abnormally low levels of the
hormone cortisol may be associated with fibromyalgia. At
Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and
at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor,
researchers are studying regulation of the function of the
adrenal gland (which makes cortisol) in fibromyalgia. People
whose bodies make inadequate amounts of cortisol experience
many of the same symptoms as people with fibromyalgia. It is
hoped that these studies will increase understanding about
fibromyalgia and may suggest new ways to treat the disorder.
NIAMS research studies are looking at different aspects of
the disorder. At the University of Alabama in Birmingham,
researchers are concentrating on how specific brain
structures are involved in the painful symptoms of
fibromyalgia. At George Washington University in Washington,
DC, scientists are investigating the causes of a post-Lyme
disease syndrome as a model for fibromyalgia. Some patients
develop a fibromyalgia-like condition following Lyme
disease, an infectious disorder associated with arthritis
and other symptoms.
NIAMS-supported research on fibromyalgia also includes
several projects at the Institute's Multipurpose Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers. Researchers at these
centers are studying individuals who do not seek medical
care, but who meet the criteria for fibromyalgia.
(Potential subjects are located through advertisements in
local newspapers asking for volunteers with widespread pain
or aching.) Other studies at the Centers are attempting to
uncover better ways to manage the pain associated with the
disorder through behavioral interventions such as
relaxation training.
In March 1998, NIAMS and several other NIH institutes and
offices issued a Request for Proposals to promote research
studies of fibromyalgia. As a result of this request, NIAMS
and its partners recently funded 15 new fibromyalgia
projects totaling more than $3.6 million.
The NIAMS supports and encourages outstanding basic and
clinical research that increases the understanding of
fibromyalgia. However, much more research needs to be done
before fibromyalgia can be successfully treated or
prevented.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with researchers,
physicians, and private voluntary health organizations, is
committed to research efforts that are directed at
significantly improving the health of all Americans
afflicted with fibromyalgia.
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