"You're overly emotional, take a Tylenol."
"Learn to live with it."
"Aches and pains are just part of getting old."
People living with generalized musculoskeletal aches and pains put up with a barrage of such statements. For them, activities usually taken for granted -- lifting a gallon of milk, peeling potatoes, or washing dishes -- may cause diffuse pain. What if you suffer such aches, and your physician is having difficulty coming up with an explanation? Could you have fibromyalgia?
Definition and Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common condition associated with widespread aching, stiffness and fatigue. (A syndrome is defined as several signs and symptoms which occur together.) Although many patients feel that pain originates in the joints, fibromyalgia mainly affects muscles, ligaments and tendons. Despite the symptoms, inflammation is not an important part of this condition.
A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on patient complaints; unfortunately, no laboratory tests are helpful. Generalized pain is the most prominent feature. Most patients complain of aching and stiffness in areas around the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back and hip areas. Discomfort may start on one area, then spread to others over time. The pain is often affected by weather conditions, sleep patterns, activity level, and stress. The general physical examination is usually normal, but careful musculoskeletal examination reveals specific localized "tender points."
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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