Fibromyalgia Syndrome Symptoms

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (fi-bro-my-AL-juh) Syndrome is a chronic pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. The name fibromyalgia is derived from the Latin roots "fibros" - fibrous tissue; "myo" - muscle; "al" - pain; and "gia" - condition of. The defining fibromyalgia symptom is pain in the connective tissues of the body such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. Fibromyalgia symptoms are different from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis because they do not involve the joints. The most common sites of fibromyalgia pain are the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle and hands.

In 1987, the American Medical Society (AMA) defined fibromyalgia syndrome as a musculoskeletal illness and a potential cause of disability. The AMA now regards fibromyalgia as a legitimate clinical entity with identifiable and specific symptoms. Widespread musculoskeletal pain, tender points, and fatigue characterize fibromyalgia syndrome. According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), fibromyalgia syndrome affects 3 to 6 million Americans, 80% occurring in women between the ages of 35 and 55, although, women, men and children of any age may be affected.

What are the symptoms?

The main fibromyalgia symptoms are the presence of multiple tender points, fatigue and extensive, chronic pain in the tissues of the muscles, tendons (which connect muscle to bone) and ligaments (which connect bones, muscles and tendons).

Additional symptoms may include: Irritable bowel and bladder, headaches, facial pain and migraines, restless legs syndrome, impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes dry mouth, anxiety, depression, impaired coordination, dizziness, vision problems, heightened sensitivity to odors, noise, light, touch and weather change. All fibromyalgia symptoms can be made worse by stress.

How is it diagnosed?

Currently there are no laboratory tests available for diagnosing fibromyalgia syndrome. Diagnosis depends on self-reported symptoms, a physical examination and an accurate manual tender point examination. Proper implementation of the exam determines the presence of multiple tender points at characteristic locations.

Even though many fibromyalgia symptoms overlap with the symptoms of other conditions, the presence of other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, does not rule out a fibromyalgia syndrome diagnosis. Fibromyalgia symptoms are similar to symptoms of muscle, joint, nerve, bone and gland diseases, as well as, infection and cancer. Muscles and nerves should be tested using EMG (electromyography) and NCV (nerve conduction velocity).

Fibromyalgia can only be diagnosed after other diseases with similar symptoms are ruled out and the individual experiences:
a) widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months and
b) tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points when pressure is applied. (See Figure 1.)

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