A complex, chronic form of nonarticular rheumatism that causes pain to the affected area.

Causes

There is no known exact cause of fibromyalgia. Factors that may trigger or worsen the condition may include overexertion, anxiety and medical illness.

Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is closely associated with pain and stiffness in the muscles and ligaments of the lower back, neck, shoulder, arms, hands, knees and legs. Pain is caused by a greater sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Other symptoms, such as poor sleep, numbness, headaches and fatigue.

This condition is different from many other, similar rheumatic conditions, however, since the muscles that are sore are not accompanied by tissue inflammation. Therefore, even though a person may experience potentially disabling body pain, they do not develop any type of body damage or deformity.

Treatment Procedures

To first diagnose that a person has fibromyalgia certain procedures and blood tests are taken. Since a specific cause cannot be traced to this condition, these tests are performed to exclude other possible diagnoses (including ones that mimic fibromyalgia).

Since the symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary among patients, treatment must be customized for each person suffering from it. Also, treatment programs are found to be most effective when they combine certain remedies, such as stress reduction techniques, regular exercise programs and medications to treat pain or even depression.

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