What is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, a mysteriously debilitating syndrome, is taking an increasing toll on our population. It is characterized by the constant presence of widespread pain so severe that it is often incapacitating. In the United States, three to six million people may be afflicted with its symptoms. It is estimated that 15% to 20% of patients seen by rheumatologists have fibromyalgia. The condition bears a striking resemblance to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and mainly affects women age 25 to 50 years.
For many years the diagnosis of fibormyaliga was perplexing. Like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, patients are plagued with symptoms of chronic muscle pain, aching, stiffness, disturbed sleep, depression and fatigue. Finally research revealed a consistent finding on physical examination: the presence e of 18 specific points in muscles, tendons, or bones that are tender and painful to the touch (see illustration). Many subsequent studies have shown that these tender points can be used to distinguish fibromyalgia from other painful joint and muscle conditions. The identifying criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia is pain or tenderness experienced in at least 11 of the 18 points.
What Causes Fibromyalgia
In order to better understand the origin of fibromyalgia, scientists conducted several studies that examined muscle chemistry, physiology and structure. They found that victims of the syndrome appeared to have reduced circulation to their muscle cells, and damage to the cells energy producing mechanism. This strongly suggests an energy deficient state in the muscle tissues. They hypothesized that any condition that reduced circulation enough to prevent adequate oxygen from getting the muscle cells might result in fibromyalgia. It is also know that in fibromyalgia the body breaks down muscle protein in an unusually high rate and converts it to glucose for energy. This increased level of muscle tissue breakdown has been interpreted as one of the main reasons for the pain, aching and fatigue.
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