What We Know About Fibromyalgia in Medical Terms

What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome

We are here to provide you with information on Fibromyalgia Syndrome, to address your questions and concerns, and to offer you possible solutions.
Many people have never heard of the condition, even healthcare professionals will question its existence. Although there is no specific known FMS cause, learn more about how you may help yourself.

What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

FM syndrome is characterized as a chronic syndrome with widespread musculoskeletal aches, with particular tender point pain and stiffness; soft tissue tenderness without detectable inflammation; general fatigue; and sleep disturbances. The most common locations of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and hands; but any body part can be involved. Pain occurs in local sites, usually in the neck and shoulder areas. The tender points occur specifically in areas where the muscles attach to bones or ligaments. The joints themselves are not affected, they are not deformed nor do they deteriorate as they may in arthritic conditions.  Sufferers experience a range of symptoms of varying intensity that come and go over time, hence, an appropriate  FMS treatment protocol must be designed according to the sufferer’s specific situation.  Undue fatigue, muscular pain, depression, tender point pain, and sleep disturbances plague 90% of the sufferers.

Definition of FM Syndrome – FMS Information

  • 10 to 12 million Americans suffer from the syndrome – 90% of them are women in the prime of their life and sometimes struggle for years before being given a correct diagnosis.
  • Women are affected much more than men in an approximate ratio of 20:1.
  • FMS is seen in all age groups, from young children through old age.  In most patients the problem begins between 20 – 30 years of age.
  • The syndrome occurs world-wide and has no specific ethnic predisposition.
  • Symptoms usually appear between 20 – 55 years of age, but children are also diagnosed with this condition.
  • Pain and severe stress-fatigue may keep sufferers from their chosen profession, unable to perform common daily tasks.