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(Also known as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias)
You have been to doctor after doctor, hoping someone would have a diagnosis for the inexplicable aches and pains throughout your body. You are suffering with pain in your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Even the slightest pressure can cause pain in the multiple tender areas of your body. You feel fatigued. Daily activities are hard to perform. You may be suffering from fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose and can be difficult to treat as well. Your symptoms may vary in intensity based on the weather, your daily activities, stress and even the time of day. The condition includes widespread muscle pain and difficulty performing daily activities. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, although it is not life threatening or progressive. Although anyone can have fibromyalgia, it is most common in women. It is not known exactly what causes fibromyalgia, although psychological stress and hormonal changes are factors being researched.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are varied, but the following is a list of those most commonly seen:
* Widespread pain
* Fatigue
* Sleep disturbance
* Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
* Headaches and facial pain
* Heightened sensitivity
* Depression
* Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet (paresthesia)
* Difficulty concentrating
* Mood changes
* Chest pain
* Dry eyes, skin and mouth
* Painful menstrual periods
* Dizziness
* Anxiety
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has established the criteria listed below for diagnosing fibromyalgia: Presence of widespread pain for at least 3 months, and all of the following:
* Pain on the right and left sides of the body.
* Pain above and below the waist.
* Pain in the axial skeleton.
* Pain on palpation in at least 11 of 18 tender points.
Diagnosing fibromyalgia is very difficult as there is not one laboratory test that gives results. As with lupus, fibromyalgia can take months or more to diagnose. You will have to go through a few blood tests and x-rays to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and/or lupus. Some health care professionals believe the ACR criteria may not even cover the full scope of diagnosing the illness.
If you are concerned that the above information may apply to you, a family member or a friend we suggest you conduct some additional research and seek the advice, guidance and support of an experienced health care professional. In many cases it will be wise to seek the advice of a TEAM of health care professionals that can support you through the entire process of diagnoses and successful treatment.
In conclusion, the more you know and understand about potential illnesses and their triggers affecting you and your family the more effective you and your health team will be in diagnosing and treating these challenges.
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Disclaimer
The information presented in this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. It is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed health professional. Coaches of the Lifestyle Center may not make any medical diagnoses, claims and/or substitute for a health care provider.
The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In this educational endeavor we have made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented, but make no claim that it comprehensively addresses all possible situations. This site is intended as an educational resource for individuals and families seeking information that may help them solve difficult health issues. It is not, however, a substitute for the professional judgment of a licensed health professional. The information must be interpreted in light of specific data regarding the patient and in conjunction with other sources of authority.
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