Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease

The main symptoms of Fibro include chronic pain, which occurs throughout the body, fatigue, malaise (flu like symptoms), and disturbed sleep. The location and intensity, of the pain, can fluctuate daily, but never really goes away. The pain can be described as aching, stabbing, burning, gnawing, or general soreness and stiffness, which may travel and spread over time.

Fatigue is the second most troubling symptom, and can even be more of a problem, for some, than the pain. It can range from slight fatigue to severe exhaustion, which is similar in nature to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). So much so that FMS and CFS are sometimes mistakenly considered aspects of the same disorder. The distinguishing feature of CFS is chronic sore throats and swollen glands.

General malaise, or flu like symptoms, and disturbed sleep (affecting about 90% of people with FM) is attributed to the intrusion of Alpha waves during deep (Delta) sleep. This is known as the Alpha-delta wave Anomaly. An anomaly is something that occurs abnormally, which in FM is the inability to fall asleep, or stay asleep, resulting in unrestorative sleep exacerbating the pain, fatigue, and malaise. Other common signs and symptoms of Fibro can be found here

Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in musculoskeletal diseases and immune disorders. The American College of Rheumatology's guidelines are the accepted basis for a clinical diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. To be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia you must have a history of widespread pain for at least 3 months, and at least 11 of the 18 specific tender points (specific areas of the body that have increased pain when pressed). Although, a diagnosis may be made with 9 tender points, or less, if all other criteria are met. Tender points are found in all four quadrants of the body, occuring in pairs, above and below the waist, left and right sides, front and back. Tender points are known to fluctuate and, you may have more or less on any given day. A knowledgeable MD can conduct the tender point exam, as well as blood tests, which are necessary to eliminate other possible conditions.

If you wish to explore more indepth information, about Fibromyalgia, please check out Coping with Fibromyalgia at Suite U.

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