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What is Fibromyalgia?
Complementary and alternative therapies for pain and stress management aren't new. Some, such as meditation and yoga, have been practiced for thousands of years. But their use has become more popular in recent years, especially with people who have chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia.
Read more on www.mayoclinic.com
Also known as fms, Fibrositis, fibromyositis, Muscular Rheumatism, Primary Fibromyalgia, Secondary Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgias
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Fibromyalgia information from trusted sources:
Fibromyalgia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fibromyalgia (new Latin, fibro-, fibrous tissues, Gk. myo-, muscle, Gk. algos-, pain, meaning muscle and connective tissue pain; also referred to as FM or ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
What Is Fibromyalgia?
WebMD provides an overview of fibromyalgia, including information on symptoms, diagnosis, standard and alternative treatments, and medications. Read more on
www.webmd.com
Fibromyalgia: Articles and Videos on Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Fibromyalgia is a myofascial (muscular) pain syndrome that can result in generalized back pain, difficulty sleeping and other symptoms. Read more on
www.spine-health.com
fibromyalgia - definition of fibromyalgia in the Medical ...
Fibromyalgia is described as inflammation of the fibrous or connective tissue of the body. Widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points ... Read more on
medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
Fibromyalgia Basics - Fibromyalgia Center - EverydayHealth.com
Learn the basics of fibromyalgia treatment and management at our Fibromyalgia Center. EverydayHealth.com is the leading online source of health news and ... Read more on
www.everydayhealth.com
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an illness that causes chronic pain in muscles and ligaments. Although this disorder affects about 4 million Americans, the vast majority of them are women in their mid-30s to late-50s. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
National Fibromyalgia Association: Welcome to the national ...
Your fibromyalgia support destination! To develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. Read more on
www.fmaware.org
Fibromyalgia
Overview of fibromyalgia, signs and symptoms, and tests used to help diagnose this condition. Read more on
www.labtestsonline.org
Fibromyalgia: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com
In general, treatments for fibromyalgia include both medication and self-care. The emphasis is on minimizing symptoms and improving general health. ... Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Fibromyalgia: MedlinePlus Interactive Health Tutorial from the ...
Fibromyalgia. Start X-Plain Interactive Tutorial · Start X-Plain Self Playing Tutorial · Open X-Plain Text Summary. This option starts the interactive ... Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Contents
Causes
Doctors don't know what causes fibromyalgia, 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.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Complications
Fibromyalgia does not get worse over time, so it does not often cause any physical complications, or lead to other conditions.
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www.nhs.uk
Coping and support
Besides dealing with the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia, you may also have to deal with the frustration of having a condition that's often misunderstood. In addition to educating yourself about fibromyalgia, you may find it helpful to provide your family, friends and co-workers with information.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Diagnosis
If you think that you may have fibromyalgia, you should see your GP. They will ask you about your symptoms, before carrying out a physical examination.
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www.nhs.uk
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of a least 3 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:Arms (elbows); Buttocks; Chest; Knees; Lower back; Neck; Rib cage; Shoulders; Thighs; Cancer; Cervical and low-back degenerative disease; Chronic fatigue syndrome; Depression; HIV infection; Hypothyroidism; Irritable bowel syndrome; Lyme disease; Rheumatoid arthritis; Sleep disorders
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Lifestyle and home remedies
Medical advice
Outlook (Prognosis)
Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic problem. The symptoms sometimes improve. At other times, the symptoms may worsen and continue for months or years. The key is seeking professional help which includes a multi-faceted approach to the management and treatment of the disease. There is no proof that fibromyalgia syndrome results in an increased death rate.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Preparing for your appointment
Because many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to various other disorders, you may see several doctors before receiving a diagnosis. Your family physician may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Prevention
There is no proven prevention for this disorder. However, over the years, the treatment and management of the disease has improved.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Risk factors
Risk factors for fibromyalgia include: Your sex. Fibromyalgia occurs more often in women than in men. Age. Fibromyalgia tends to develop during early and middle adulthood. But it can also occur in children and older adults. Disturbed sleep patterns. It's unclear whether sleeping difficulties are a cause or a result of fibromyalgia. But people with sleep disorders such as nighttime muscle spasms in the legs, restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea often have fibromyalgia. 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...
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www.mayoclinic.com
Self help
If you have fibromyalgia, there are several ways that you can change your lifestyle in order to help relieve your symptoms and make your condition easier to live with.
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www.nhs.uk
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Treatments and drugs
In general, treatments for fibromyalgia include both medication and self-care. The emphasis is on minimizing symptoms and improving general health.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com