Fibromyalgia
Alternate names:
fibromyositis; fibrositis; myofasical pain syndrome
Definition:
A common rheumatic syndrome indicating widespread pain in
fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues,
resulting in painful muscles without weakness.
Fatigue may also be present.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia includes a history of a least three
months of widespread pain, and pain 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)
The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing
pain at defined tender points, which are not the same as trigger
points. Tender points hurt only when pressed. Trigger points
can be tender locally and lead to traveling or spreading pain.
The soft-tissue pain is described as deep-aching, radiating,
gnawing, shooting, or burning, and ranges from mild to severe.
Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to waken with body aches and stiffness.
Pain improves during the day and often increases again during
the evening. Pain can increase with activity; cold, damp weather;
anxiety; and stress.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The cause of this disorder is unknown. Possible causes can
include physical or emotional trauma. One hypothesis suggests
that the disorder may be associated with changes in craniofacial
and skeletal muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow,
which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness. Another hypothesis
is that an infectious microbe, such as a virus, triggers the
illness. At this point, no virus or microbe has been identified.
Pilot studies have shown a possible inherited tendency toward
the disease.
The disorder has an increased frequency among women 20 to
50 years old. The incidence
is 9 out of 1,000 people.
Updated Date: 02/09/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
|
