Fibromyalgia

2 Pages 394 Words

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Previously, the condition was known by other names such as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism, and tension myalgia’s. An estimated 3 to 8 million people are affected by fibromyalgia, and approximately 80 to 90 percent of affected people are women.
In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) identified specific criteria for fibromyalgia. The ACR classifies a patient with fibromyalgia if at least 11 to 18 specific areas of your body are painful under pressure. Also, you must have had widespread pain lasting at least 3 months.
Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on weather, stress, physical activity or even just the time of day. Different people experience different signs and symptoms, but common signs and symptoms include: widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches and facial pain, heightened sensitivity to odors, noises, bright lights, touch and changes in weather, depression, numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet, (parasthesia), difficulty concentrating and mood changes, n or pelvic paid, irritable bladder, chest or pelvic pain, irritable bladder, dry eyes skin and mouth, painful menstrual periods, dizziness, and the sensation of swollen hands and feet.
Doctors believe that there isn't one single cause of fibromyalgia. Rather, a number of factors may contribute. These factors may include: chemical changes in the brain, sleep disturbances, injury, infection, abnormalities of the Autonomic Nervous System, and changes in muscle metabolism. Psychological stress and hormonal changes also may be possible causes of fibromyalgia.
There are a few risk factors that may contribute to fibromyalgia. Sex; it occurs much more often in women. Age; it tends to develop in people 20 to 60 years of age. F...