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Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease

© Tamara Peters

Overview: An introduction, covering the basics of Fibromyalgia, introduces terminology, definition (what it is and what it is not), major signs and symptoms, diagnosis, history, and prevalence (affected populations). My intention is to provide a basis for future, indepth articles that will cover all the various aspects of Fibromyalgia.

Although not technically a disease, a disease has known causes and the symptom process is understood, Fibromyalgia (FM) is instead a syndrome, which is a group of signs and symptoms that characterize a disorder. Fibromyalgia (Fibro) has been nicknamed "The Invisible Disease" because it is not perceptible to others. The face of Fibromyalgia is every face, and unless you were told the difference you could not tell who had it and who did not. The name Fibromyalgia comes from the Latin "Fibro", meaning fibrous tissues, "my" muscles, and "algia", meaning pain. Therefore it affects the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments), causing pain around the joints, skin, and organs.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, systemic, dysfunctional neurotransmitter condition that causes generalized, musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. It affects 5 million (2%) of the U.S. population and about 1.5% of populations in other studied countries. 80 to 90% of this population are women, aged 20-55, but Fibro does affect men and children as well. Several members of my Fibro support group have noted that their FM actually started in childhood, and growing pains were one of their earliest symptoms. However, this is not true of everyone. Fibromyalgia can also be the result of physical or psychological trauma. It is the second most commonly diagnosed disorder - more prevalent than Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) according to the Arthritis Foundation. Although FMS may be caused by certain changes in the immune system, or immune system dysfunction, it is not a known autoimmune disease such as RA or MS.

Commonly thought to be a "Fad" syndrome of the 90's, Fibromyalgia has actually been around since the early 1800's. Formerly, it was known as Rheumatism, Fibrositis, and Myalgia among other names.

Fibromyalgia is not deforming, degenerative, nor life threatening. Although, it can be progressive and even disabling. It is not a mental disorder, anxiety, nor a form of depression, but does indeed often cause one to be anxious and depressed. Living with constant pain and fatigue is enough to depress anyone. It is not inflammatory as in RA. But most of all it is not all in our