What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that leaves those afflicted with pain all over, fatigue, and disturbed sleep with no specific cause. Often, there are tender points on the body, which are tender to the touch. The feeling is akin to having worked out too hard the previous day, or how you feel after having the flu. In the past, Fibromyalgia was called fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias.
What causes Fibromyalgia?
Healthcare professionals are unsure of what causes Fibromyalgia. In addition to a predisposition to this condition, a number of factors are suspected to lead to Fibromyalgia, including problems with sleep, injury, and infection. Recent scientific studies have uncovered neurotransmitter abnormalities and decreased blood flow to certain regions of the brain as possible underlying causes. There are no laboratory tests to diagnose the condition, which remains somewhat subjective.
Who is at risk?
While anyone can develop Fibromyalgia, certain individuals are more likely to develop the condition. For example, women, age (middle to late adulthood), and disturbed sleep are all risk factors for Fibromyalgia. Despite these risk factors, anyone, of any sex, age, race, or ethnicity may develop the condition. Estimates indicate that about 2% of the population (10 million Americans) may be affected.
What can I do?
Currently, medical experts say there are few things we can do to prevent the onset of Fibromyalgia. However, if you have been diagnosed with this condition, there are several ways you can increase your quality of life and stay as healthy as possible.