Fibromyalgia

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Here are some of the conditions that are commonly associated with fibromyalgia:

• Depression and anxiety
• Chronic headache, such as tension headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Dysmenorrhea
• Female urethral syndrome (irritable bladder)

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Fibromyalgia is more common in women, and in people aged 20-60 years old. Physical or mental stress may also increase your chance of having fibromyalgia.

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Symptoms and severity of fibromyalgia are different for everyone. Fibromyalgia may cause:

• Generalized pain and tenderness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Poor sleep
• Reduced physical endurance
• Problems with concentration, thought, or memory

Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:

• Weather changes, especially cold, damp weather
• Stress or anxiety
• Overexertion
• Medical illness
• Surgery

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The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will look for the following signs:

• Widespread pain lasting three months or longer
• Tenderness (on physical exam) in specific areas of the body

Your doctor may do tests to make sure your symptoms are not due to other conditions.

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The goal of treatment is to relieve or control the symptoms. Physical therapy helps by providing specialized therapeutic services that address the needs of FMS clients, as well as establish individualized programs designed specifically for the FMS client. Exercise can have a life-long benefit, especially for people with fibromyalgia. Exercise can energize your body and calm your mind and at the same time, it can be a great method for stress management

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There are no current guidelines to prevent fibromyalgia.

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RESOURCES:

• American College of Rheumatology

http://www.rheumatology.org

• The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association

http://www.afsafund.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• The Arthritis Society

http://www.arthritis.ca

• Fibromyalgia Information and Local Support

http://fibromyalgia.ncf.ca

REFERENCES:

• About fibromyalgia. National Fibromyalgia Association website. Available at: http://fmaware.org… . Accessed August 9, 2013.
• Buckhardt CS, Goldenberg D, Crofford L, et al. Guideline for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome pain in adults and children. Glenview (IL): American Pain Society (APS); 2005. as summarized in National Guideline Clearinghouse 2005;19:7298.
• Carville SF, Arendt-Nielsen S, Bliddal H, et al. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis. 2008;67:536-541.
• Fibromyalgia. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumat… . Accessed August 9, 2013.
• Fibromyalgia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us . Updated July 15, 2013. Accessed August 9, 2013.
• Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp . Updated August 2012. Accessed August 9, 2013.
• Wierville L. Fibromyalgia: diagnosing and managing a complex syndrome. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2012;24(4):184-92.
• 2/17/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : Russell IJ, Perkins AT, Michalek JE; Oxybate SXB-26 Fibromyalgia Syndrome Study Group. Sodium oxybate relieves pain and improves function in fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;60:299-309.
• 4/14/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : Munguía-Izquierdo D, Legaz-Arrese A. Assessment of the effects of aquatic therapy on global symptomatology in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008;89:2250-2257.
• 4/22/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : Sañudo B, Galiano D, Carrasco L, Blagojevic M, de Hoyo M, Saxton J. Aerobic exercise versus combined exercise therapy in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;91(12):1838-1843.
• 4/22/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : Carson JW, Carson KM, Jones KD, Bennett RM, Wright CL, Mist SD. A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia. Pain. 2010;151(2):530-539.

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