Questions and Answers About Fibromyalgia.* What Is Fibromyalgia fibromyalgia Chronic syndrome that is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, often at multiple sites. The cause is unknown. A significant number of persons with fibromyalgia also have mental disorders, especially depression. ? * How Many People Have Fibromyalgia? * What Causes Fibromyalgia? * How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed? * How Is Fibromyalgia Treated? * What Research Is Being Conducted on Fibromyalgia? * Where Can People Get More Information About Fibromyalgia? * Fibromyalgia-Key Words What Is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal musculoskeletal /mus·cu·lo·skel·e·tal/ (-skel´e-t'l) pertaining to or comprising the skeleton and muscles. mus·cu·lo·skel·e·tal adj. Relating to or involving the muscles and the skeleton. pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. "Tender points" refers to tenderness that occurs in precise, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), condition characterized by frequently alternating constipation and diarrhea in the absence of any disease process. It is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, especially in the lower left quadrant, bloating, and flatulence. , anxiety, and other symptoms. How Many People Have Fibromyalgia? According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the American College American College is the name of:
rheu·ma·tol·o·gy n. , fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men can also be affected. What Causes Fibromyalgia? Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about causes or triggers of the disorder. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may be caused by an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent infectious agent Pathogen, see there such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified. How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed? Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other disorders. The physician reviews the patient's medical history and makes a diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on a history of chronic widespread pain that persists for more than 3 months. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR See riser card. ) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the disorder. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites. How Is Fibromyalgia Treated? Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician, physical therapist, and patient may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise aerobic exercise, n sustained repetitive physical activity, such as walking, dancing, cycling, and swimming, that elevates the heart rate and increases oxygen consumption resulting in improved functioning of cardio-vascular and respiratory systems. , such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant antidepressant, any of a wide range of drugs used to treat psychic depression. They are given to elevate mood, counter suicidal thoughts, and increase the effectiveness of psychotherapy. medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. Patients with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation. What Research Is Being Conducted on Fibromyalgia? The NIAMS NIAMS National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (USA) is sponsoring research that will increase understanding of the specific abnormalities that cause and accompany fibromyalgia with the hope of developing better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent this disorder. Recent NIAMS studies show that abnormally low levels of the hormone cortisol cortisol (kôr`tĭsôl') or hydrocortisone, steroid hormone that in humans is the major circulating hormone of the cortex, or outer layer, of the adrenal gland. may be associated with fibromyalgia. At Brigham and Women's Hospital Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is a hospital in the Longwood Area of the Boston, Massachusetts neighborhood of Mission Hill. With Massachusetts General Hospital, it is one of the two founding members of Partners HealthCare. in Boston, Massachusetts “Boston” redirects here. For other uses, see Boston (disambiguation). Boston is the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts.[3] The largest city in New England, Boston is considered the unofficial economic and cultural center of the entire New , and at the University of Michigan (body, education) University of Michigan - A large cosmopolitan university in the Midwest USA. Over 50000 students are enrolled at the University of Michigan's three campuses. The students come from 50 states and over 100 foreign countries. Medical Center in Ann Arbor, researchers are studying regulation of the function of the adrenal gland adrenal gland (ədrēn`əl) or suprarenal gland (s  prərēn`əl), endocrine gland (see endocrine system) about 2 in. (5. (which makes cortisol)
in fibromyalgia. People whose bodies make inadequate amounts of cortisol
experience many of the same symptoms as people with fibromyalgia. It is
hoped that these studies will increase understanding about fibromyalgia
and may suggest new ways to treat the disorder.NIAMS research studies are looking at different aspects of the disorder. At the University of Alabama The University of Alabama (also known as Alabama, UA or colloquially as 'Bama) is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1831, UA is the flagship campus of the University of Alabama System. in Birmingham, researchers are concentrating on how specific brain structures are involved in the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. At George Washington University George Washington University, at Washington, D.C.; coeducational; chartered 1821 as Columbian College (one of the first nonsectarian colleges), opened 1822, became a university in 1873, renamed 1904. in Washington, DC, scientists are investigating the causes of a post-Lyme disease syndrome as a model for fibromyalgia. Some patients develop a fibromyalgia-like condition following Lyme disease Lyme disease, a nonfatal bacterial infection that causes symptoms ranging from fever and headache to a painful swelling of the joints. The first American case of Lyme's characteristic rash was documented in 1970 and the disease was first identified in a cluster at , an infectious disorder associated with arthritis and other symptoms. NIAMS-supported research on fibromyalgia also includes several projects at the Institute's Multipurpose mul·ti·pur·pose adj. Designed or used for several purposes: a multipurpose room; multipurpose software. multipurpose Adjective Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers. Researchers at these centers are studying individuals who do not seek medical care, but who meet the criteria for fibromyalgia. (Potential subjects are located through advertisements in local newspapers asking for volunteers with widespread pain or aching.) Other studies at the Centers are attempting to uncover better ways to manage the pain associated with the disorder through behavioral interventions such as relaxation training relaxation training, n method that teaches specific techniques for producing the relaxation response. See also relaxation response. relaxation training, n . In March 1998, NIAMS and several other NIH "Not invented here." See digispeak. NIH - The United States National Institutes of Health. institutes and offices issued a Request for Proposals to promote research studies of fibromyalgia. As a result of this request, NIAMS and its partners recently funded 15 new fibromyalgia projects totaling more than $3.6 million. The NIAMS supports and encourages outstanding basic and clinical research that increases the understanding of fibromyalgia. However, much more research needs to be done before fibromyalgia can be successfully treated or prevented. The Federal Government, in collaboration with researchers, physicians, and private voluntary health organizations, is committed to research efforts that are directed at significantly improving the health of all Americans afflicted af·flict tr.v. af·flict·ed, af·flict·ing, af·flicts To inflict grievous physical or mental suffering on. [Middle English afflighten, from afflight, with fibromyalgia. Where Can People Get More Information About Fibromyalgia? * Arthritis Foundation 1330 West Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30309 404/872-7100 800/283-7800 or call your local chapter (listed in the telephone directory) World Wide Web address: http://www.arthritis.org This is the main voluntary organization devoted to all forms of arthritis. The Foundation publishes a pamphlet on fibrositis fibrositis /fi·bro·si·tis/ (fi?bro-si´tis) inflammatory hyperplasia of the white fibrous tissue, especially of the muscle sheaths and fascial layers of the locomotor system. fi·bro·si·tis n. . Single copies are free with a self-addressed stamped envelope A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), or just stamped addressed envelope (SAE) in the UK, is often just that: an envelope with the sender's name and address on it, with affixed paid postage and mailed to a company or private individual. . The Foundation also can provide physician referrals. * Fibromyalgia Network P.O. Box 31750 Tucson, AZ 85751-1750 800/853-2929 Contact: Ms. Kristin Thorson * Fibromyalgia Association of Greater Washington (FMAGW) 13203 Valley Drive Woodbridge, VA 22191-1531 703/790-2324 * National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign (NFAC NFAC National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (Sunnyvale, CA) NFAC National Foreign Assessment Center (US CIA) NFAC Native Forest Action Council NFAC NibbleFfest Art Contest (ebay) ) 2415 N. River Trail Road, Suite 200 Orange, CA 92865 714/921-0150 Fax: 714/921-8139 These are the main organizations devoted to fibromyalgia. They publish newsletters and provide pamphlets on the disease. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, or NIAMS, is an institute of the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Inflation Clearinghouse is a public service sponsored by the NIAMS that provides health information and information sources. The NIAMS, a component of the National Institutes of Health, leads and coordinates the Federal medical effort in arthritis, musculoskeletal, bone, muscle, and skin diseases by conducting and supporting research projects, research training, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies, and by disseminating information on research initiatives and research results.
FIBROMYALGIA Key Words
Analgesic: A medication or treatment that relieves pain.
Arthritis: Literally means joint inflammation, but is often
used to indicate a group of more than 100
rheumatic diseases. These diseases affect not only
the joints but also other connective tissues of
the body, including important supporting
structures such as muscles, tendons, and
ligaments, as well as the protective covering of
internal organs.
Autoimmune One in which the immune system destroys or attacks
disease: the patient's own body tissue.
Cartilage: A tough, resilient tissue that covers and cushions
the ends of the bones and absorbs shock.
Chronic disease: An illness that lasts for a long time.
Collagen: The main structural protein of skin, tendon, bone
cartilage, and connective tissues.
Connective tissue: The supporting framework of the body and its
internal organs.
Fibromyalgia: Sometimes called fibrositis, a chronic disorder
that causes pain and stiffness throughout the
tissues that support and move the bones and
joints. Pain and localized tender points occur in
the muscles, particularly those that support the
neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. The disorder
includes widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep
disturbances.
Fibrous capsule: A tough wrapping of tendons and ligaments that
surrounds the joint.
Flare: A period in which disease symptoms reappear or
become worse.
Genetic marker: A specific tissue type or gene, similar to a
blood type, that is passed on from parents to
their children. Some genetic markers are linked
to certain rheumatic diseases.
Immune response: The reaction of the immune system against foreign
substances. When this reaction occurs against
substances or tissues within the body, it is
called an autoimmune reaction.
Immune system: A complex system that normally protects the body
from infections. It combines groups of cells, the
chemicals that control them, and the chemicals
they release.
Inflammation: A characteristic reaction of tissues to injury or
disease. It is marked by four signs: swelling,
redness, heat, and pain.
Joint: A junction where two bones meet. Most joints are
composed of cartilage, joint space, fibrous
capsule, synovium, and ligaments.
Joint space: The volume enclosed within the fibrous capsule and
synovium.
Ligaments: Bands of cordlike tissue that connect bone to bone.
Muscle: A structure composed of bundles of specialized
cells that, when stimulated by nerve impulses,
contract and produce movement.
Myopathies: Inflammatory and noninflammatory diseases of muscle.
Myositis: Inflammation of a muscle.
Nonsteroidal A group of drags, such as aspirin and aspirin-like
anti-inflammatory drugs, used to reduce inflammation that causes
drugs (NSAIDs): joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Raynaud's A circulatory condition associated with spasms in
phenomenon: the blood vessels of the fingers and toes causing
them to change color. After exposure to cold,
these areas turn white, then blue, and finally red.
Remission: A period during which symptoms of disease are
reduced (partial remission) or disappear (complete
remission).
Sicca syndrome: A condition manifested by dry eyes and dry mouth.
Sleep disorder: One in which a person has difficulty achieving
restful, restorative sleep. In addition to other
symptoms, patients with fibromyalgia usually have
a sleep disorder.
Synovium: A tissue that surrounds and protects the joints.
It produces synovial fluid that nourishes and
lubricates the joints.
Tender points: Specific locations on the body that are painful,
especially when pressed.
Tendons: Fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone.
Vasculitis: Inflammation in the blood vessels. It may occur
throughout the body.
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