Do I Have Fibromyalgia?
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According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), medical experts believe more than five million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia (FM). Women make up approximately 80-90 percent of the FM cases. The remaining percent of the cases are children and men. Also, a majority of FM cases are diagnosed during middle-age.
FM is a chronic disease which may last your lifetime. However, FM is not fatal. FM can also mask itself as several other diseases. FM is not progressive and your condition will not deteriorate over time. Many people with FM manage their condition with great success and their symptoms improve.
Symptoms of FM include:
• Chronic pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights
• "Fibro Fog" (cognitive and memory problems)
• Morning stiffness
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Restless legs syndrome
• Temperature sensitivity
• Sleep disturbances
• Headaches
• Painful menstrual periods
• Numbness or tingling of the extremities
Some of the above symptoms sound like standard aging aches and pains. However, with fibromyalgia, you will have many of the above issues. The NIAMS says fibromyalgia is a syndrome versus a disease. A syndrome consists of many medical issues and symptoms simultaneously.
NIAMS states, "A doctor familiar with fibromyalgia, however, can make a diagnosis based on criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR): a history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months, and the presence of diffuse tenderness." In order for a diagnosis to be established, you must a have pain in 11 areas of the 18 ACR assigned areas.
It is unknown what causes fibromyalgia. For some fibromyalgia symptoms may occur overnight and for others the symptoms occur over a period of time. Some have said their symptoms occurred after a traumatic incident like a death or accident.
People who have family members with fibromyalgia are also likely to develop the disease. Individuals with spinal arthritis and lupus (SLE) may develop fibromyalgia.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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