Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a condition that is characterized by generalized muscular pain and fatigue. The term “fibromyalgia” means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. This condition is referred to as a “syndrome” because it is a set of signs and symptoms that occur together.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain illness characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances. Any body part can be involved and patients experience a range of symptoms of varying intensities that wax and wane over time; remission, however, is uncommon.
Women are affected more often than men (approximately 6:1).
The pain of FMS is profound, widespread and chronic. Fibromyalgia currently affects an estimated 8–12 million adults in the U.S (Source: American Pain Society, Guideline for the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome Pain in Adults and Children. 2005 www.ampainsoc.org)
Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling and burning are often present, adding to the discomfort of the patient.
The fatigue of FMS is an all-encompassing exhaustion that interferes with daily activities and can leave the patient with a limited ability to function both mentally and physically.
Many FMS patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep, as well as symptoms including headaches and migraines, vision problems, memory and concentration difficulties and depression.
(Source: www.fmaware.org/fminfo/brochure.htm)
Primary vs. Concomitant Fibromyalgia
Primary fibromyalgia does not have any other important disease being present, just its own key symptoms of widespread pain, multiple, predictable tender points, fatigue and sleep disturbance. This is relatively rare, compared with concomitant fibromyalgia, which can occur in association with any other musculoskeletal condition, where it may act to intensify the pain of that condition.
(Source: International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), Classification of Chronic Pain, Second Edition, 1994)