Home > Medical Reference > Patient Education

Services at Maryland General

A complete list of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at MGH.

Fibromyalgia - Introduction

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibromyalgia.

Alternative Names

Fibromyositis; Fibrositis; Myofascial pain syndrome

Introduction:

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of unknown causes that results in lasting, sometimes debilitating, muscle pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia is also known as fibrositis or fibromyositis.

General Description of Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Pain. The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is pain. The pain can be in one place or all over the body. The exact locations of the pain are called tender points. Fibromyalgia pain is often described as:

Tender point pain that occurs in local areas, usually in the neck and shoulders. The pain then spreads out from these areas. The actual pain starts at the muscles. The joints are not affected. There are no lumps or nodes associated with these pain points, and no signs of inflammation (swelling). People diagnosed with fibromyalgia feel pain in at least 11 of 18 specific tender points.
Widespread stiffness, burning, and aching pain. The pain also "radiates," or spreads, to nearby areas. Most patients report feeling some pain all the time. Many describe it as "exhausting." The pain can vary depending on the time of day, changes in the weather, physical activity, and the presence of stressful situations. The pain is often more intense after sleep is disturbed.

Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances. Another major fibromyalgia complaint is fatigue. Some patients report that their fatigue is more distressing than their pain. Sleep disturbances, particularly restless legs syndrome, are also very common. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are almost universal in patients with fibromyalgia. Some experts believe that if these symptoms are not present, the condition may not be fibromyalgia.

Depression and Mood. Up to a third of fibromyalgia patients have depression. Disturbances in mood and concentration are also very common. These conditions often go undiagnosed.

Other Symptoms. The following symptoms may also be present:

Digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome with gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation
Dizziness
Painful menstrual periods
Tension or migraine headaches
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
Urinary frequency caused by bladder spasms

Symptoms in Children. In general, children with fibromyalgia most often have sleep disorders and widespread pain.

Resources

www.rheumatology.org -- American College of Rheumatology
www.niams.nih.gov -- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
www.arthritis.org -- Arthritis Foundation
www.fmaware.org -- National Fibromyalgia Foundation
www.fmpartnership.org -- National Fibromyalgia Partnership
www.fmnetnews.com -- Fibromyalgia Network
www.aapainmanage.org -- American Academy of Pain Management
www.ampainsoc.org -- American Pain Society
www.medicalacupuncture.org -- American Association of Medical Acupuncture
www.asch.net -- American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
www.aabt.org -- Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy
www.clinicaltrials.gov -- Find a clinical trial

References

Abeles M, Solitar BM, Pillinger MH, Abeles AM. Update on fibromyalgia therapy. Am J Med. 2008;121:555-561.

Arnold LM, Goldenberg DL, Stanford SB, Lalonde JK, Sandhu HS, Keck PE, et al. Gabapentin in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2007;56:1336-1344.

Geisser ME, Glass JM, Rajcevska LD, Clauw DJ, Williams DA, Kileny PR. A psychophysical study of auditory and pressure sensitivity in patients with fibromyalgia and healthy controls. J Pain. 2008;9:417-422.

Guedj E, Cammilleri S, Niboyet J, Dupont P, Vidal E, Dropinski JP, Mundler O. Clinical correlate of brain SPECT perfusion abnormalities in fibromyalgia. J Nucl Med. 2008;49:1798-1803.

Gusi N, Tomas-Carus P. Cost-utility of an 8-month aquatic training for women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Res Ther. 2008;10:R24.

Harris RE, Clauw DJ, Scott DJ, McLean SA, Gracely RH, Zubieta JK. Decreased central u-opioid receptor availability in fibromyalgia. J Neurosci. 2007;27:10000-10006.

Lawrence RC, Felson DT, Helmick CG, Arnold LM, Choi H, Deyo RA, et al. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States. Part II. Arthritis Rheum. 2008;58:26-35.

Mannerkorpi K, Henriksson C. Non-pharmacological treatment of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2007;21:513-534.

Matsushita K, Masuda A, Tei C. Efficacy of Waon therapy for fibromyalgia. Intern Med. 2008;47:1473-1476.

McCabe CS, Cohen H, Blake DR. Somaesthetic disturbances in fibromyalgia are exaggerated by sensory-motor conflict: implications for chronicity of the disease? Rheumatology. 2007;46:1587-1592.

Rooks DS, Gautam S, Romeling M, Cross ML, Stratigakis D, Evans B, et al. Group exercise, education, and combination self-management in women with fibromyalgia. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167;2192-2200.

Schweinhardt P. Fibromyalgia: a disorder of the brain? Neuroscientist. 2008;14:415-421.

Targino RA, Imamura M, Kaziyama HH, Souza LP, Hsing WT, Furlan AD, et al. A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture added to usual treatment for fibromyalgia. J Rehabil Med. 2008;40:582-588.

Van Koulil S, Effting M, Kraaimaat FW, van Lankveld W, van Helmond T, Cats H, et al. Cognitive-behavioural therapies and exercise programmes for patients with fibromyalgia; state of the art and future directions. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66:571-581.

Verbunt JA, Pernot DH, Smeets RJ. Disability and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2008;6:8.

Reviewed last on: 12/29/2008
Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Physician Directory
seperater

Physician Specialties
seperater

Medical Glossary
seperater

Guide for Patients
seperater

Guide for Visitors
seperater

· · · · · · ·

© 2008 Maryland General Hospital, All Rights Reserved · 827 Linden Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201 · 410-225-8000
Commitment to Compliance · Privacy Policy · Terms and Conditions of Use · Disclaimer · JCAHO Public Notice