Fibromyalgia Information, from Arthritis Victoria
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Fibromyalgia
This sheet has been written for people affected by fibromyalgia. It provides general information to help you understand how fibromyalgia affects you and what you can do to manage it. It also tells you where to find further information and advice.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a name given to a group of symptoms marked by generalised pain and muscle stiffness. These symptoms can be felt in all different areas of the body. Extreme fatigue (tiredness) and sleep problems are also common in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to the painful areas, but seems to be due to an overactive pain system. Fibromyalgia is different to polymyalgia rheumatica, a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the muscles.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
* pain – usually aching, stiffness and tiredness of muscles. Pain may be worst after rest (for example, first thing in the morning) or after activity
* extreme fatigue (tiredness), making it difficult to do your normal daily activities
* poor sleep
* problems with concentration and memory
* irritable bowel (diarrhoea, stomach pain).
What causes it?
It is not known what causes fibromyalgia. It may be triggered in some people by:
* an illness, such as a virus
* pain and/or stress from an injury or accident
* emotional stress and depression.
For many people fibromyalgia starts without any obvious cause. Early research suggests that the body may be extra sensitive in the way it signals and processes pain in people with fibromyalgia.
How is it diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia can be very difficult to diagnose. It does not cause any inflammation or damage. Even the painful muscles have been shown to look and function normally. As such there are no blood tests, x-rays or scans that can test for fibromyalgia. Your doctor or rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) will look for a number of signs that are typical of fibromyalgia. These include widespread pain for more than three months and 'tender points', which are areas on the body that are abnormally sore to touch.
What will happen to me?
The good news is that fibromyalgia does not cause any lasting damage to the muscles or joints. It is important to remember that the symptoms are always reversible and are best managed by the person with the problem. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may range from very mild to severe. They may last for many years or they may come and go at different times. However fibromyalgia is usually not disabling. With the right advice most people find they learn to manage the pain and tiredness over time. Health professional input may be required at times if the pain is more severe and affecting your normal activities.
Can fibromyalgia be cured?
Currently there is no cure for fibromyalgia. While there are ways you can control your symptoms, you should be wary of any products or treatments that claim to cure fibromyalgia.
What can I do? |
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