Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a subset of Arthritis that is characterized by long-term, wide-spread pain. It can interfere with pain processing and can disturb sleep, resulting in fatigue and mental distress.

Facts About Fibromyalgia

• 2% of the U.S. population has Fibromyalgia
  • That's approximately 5 million people!
  • Predominantly found in females
    • female: male ratio of occurrence is 7:1
• Most patients are diagnosed in middle age
• Working age women who are hospitalized are 10x less likely to return to work
  • They are 4x less likely to return within 1 year
  • On average, patients lost 17 days of work, compared to 6 for people without fibromyalgia
  • Fibromyalgia negatively impacts health-related life quality 
    • Increases loss of work productivity              

Causes

• There are no known causes for Fibromyalgia.

Risk Factors

While it's not exactly known what increases risk, there are a few possible risk factors.

• Physical Trauma
• Abnormal Pain-Response Areas in Brain
• Infection
• Emotional Trauma
• Sleep Disturbance

Symptoms

• Generalized deep aches
• Joints aren't affected, even if it feels like it
• Memory/concentration problems
• Reduced exercise ability
• Increased menstrual cramping
• Painful, tender areas in the back of the neck, chest, hips and shins, shoulders, lower back, elbows, knees
• Shooting, burning pain
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Tension/migraine headaches
• Fibro fog

Treatments

While there are no known cures, there are a few strategies to manage Fibromyalgia.

• Physical therapy
• Stress-relief
• Antidepressants
• Pain relievers
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exercise
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Muscle relaxants
• Sleeping aids
• Support groups

Support Groups

For more information on support groups and materials, we recommend visiting the National Fibromyalgia Association.

Sources: Center for Disease Control, National Fibromyalgia Association