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FIBROMYALGIA
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 disease. 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
diseases. 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 disease.
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. Fibromyalgia patients 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.
Other NIAMS research
studies are looking at different aspects of the disease. At
the University of Alabama in Birmingham, researchers are concentrating
on how specific brain structures are involved in the painful
symptoms of fibromyalgia. Researchers at Vanderbilt University
in Nashville, Tennessee, are using magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques to
study patients with fibromyalgia. MRI and MRS are powerful tools
that have been shown to be useful in evaluating muscle disorders
and muscle performance. At the New York Medical College in Valhalla,
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 in 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 disease through
behavioral interventions such as relaxation training.
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 to significantly improving the health of all Americans
afflicted with fibromyalgia.
Where Can People
Get More Information About Fibromyalgia?
- Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/872-7100
800/283-7800 or call your local chapter (listed in the telephone
directory)
World Wide Web address: http://www.arthritis.org
This is the main
voluntary organization devoted to all forms of arthritis. The
Foundation publishes a pamphlet on fibrositis. Single copies
are free with a self-addresses stamped envelope. The Foundation
also can provide physician referrals.
- Fibromyalgia
Alliance of America
P.O. Box 21990
Columbus, OH 43221-0990
614/457-4222
Contact: Mary Anne Saathoff, R.N.
- Fibromyalgia
Association of Texas
3810 Keele Drive
Garland, TX 75041
972/271-5085
Contact: Ms. Faye Wright
- Fibromyalgia
Network
P.O. Box 31750
Tucson, AZ 85751-1750
800/853-2929
Contact: Ms. Kristin Thorson
- Fibromyalgia Association
of Greater Washington (FMAGW)
13203 Valley Drive
Woodbridge, VA 22191-1531
Phone: 703/790-2324
Fax: 703/494-4103
Web: www.fmagw.org
Contact person: Tamara Liller
These are the main
organizations devoted to fibromyalgia. They publish newsletters
and provide pamphlets on the disease.
10/95
updated 1/98 |
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