Fibromyalgia;
Fibromyositis;
Fibrositis;
Myofascial pain syndrome
You’ll find our treatment of this condition to be significantly different from most available. We’ve had great success reducing and even eliminating symptoms of this condition in our patients. We’ve learned that in most cases, the diganosis is made but the underlying cause is never determined. We focus on identifying and correcting the underlying problem to assist our patients with the painful, often debilitating condition.
By way of classic history, Fibromyalgia is becoming more common. It is considered a rheumatic syndrome indicating widespread pain in fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues, resulting in painful muscles without weakness. The cause of this disorder can be any number of internal disturbances, although it is a chronic problem that can come and go for years.The nine paired red circles are recognized as common tender points associated with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Some other problems commonly linked to fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of a least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Rib cage
- Lower back
- Thighs
- Knees
- Arms (elbows)
- Buttocks
The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.
Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain that occurs with various types of arthritis. However, the significant swelling, destruction, and deformity of joints seen in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur with fibromyalgia syndrome alone.
The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness.
For some patients, pain improves during the day and increases again during the evening, though many patients with fibromyalgia have day-long, unrelenting pain. Pain can increase with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.