Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common and complex chronic pain disorder that affects people physically, mentally and socially. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. People with fibromyalgia have "tender points" on the body. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. These points hurt when pressure is put on them.

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms can come and go. Severe symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with your basic daily activities.

Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men. Many people who have fibromyalgia may also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in middle-aged women. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are particularly likely to develop fibromyalgia. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Getting enough sleep, exercising, stress reduction, and eating well may also help.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unclear, but it most likely involves a variety of factors working together. These may include:

• Genetics. Because fibromyalgia tends to run in families, there may be certain genetic mutations that may make you more susceptible to developing the disorder.
• Infections. Some illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
• Physical or emotional trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder has been linked to fibromyalgia.

Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain's pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals.

Risk factors for fibromyalgia include:

• Your sex. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men.
• Family history. You may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia if a relative also has the condition.
• Rheumatic disease. If you have a rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

See your doctor for widespread pain, fatigue, and poor sleep that last more than a few months. A diagnosis helps rule out other conditions and guides a plan to manage symptoms.