$Unique_ID{BRK01404}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{Does Fibrositis Syndrome Exist?}
$Subject{fibrositis muscle pain}
$Volume{M-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does Fibrositis Syndrome Exist?


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QUESTION:  I have been told for the past three years by different doctors that
I have syndrome called "Fibrositis".  Then other doctors think there is no
such syndrome.  Can you please help me with some information.  I am very
confused about this condition.

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ANSWER:  You are not the only one that finds this strange but painful
syndrome, most confusing.  There are even 10 other names for the same
condition, besides "fibrositis".  They include; Myofascitis, Fibromyositis,
Nonarticular rheumatism, Trigger point syndrome, Myofibrositis, Tender Point
syndrome, Interstitial myofibrositis, Myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome,
Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain syndrome.  And because it has so many
variables, the diagnosis is often disputed, or worse, ignored.  Yet it does
exist as a Syndrome for which the American College of Rheumatology established
certain specific criteria.  It declared that the pain must be widespread, with
the pain present for more than three months, and that 11 of 18 defined tender
points must be painful on examination.  The 18 areas range from the back of
the head, to shoulders, to the upper back and gluteal (backside) areas, elbows
and knees.  Along with these pain symptoms, a number of other symptoms are
also seen frequently.  They include sleep disturbances, fatigue, morning
stiffness, anxiety, headache, even irritable bowel syndrome, and painful
menstruation.  It is not an uncommon syndrome, but is found in women in about
90 percent of the cases.  The cause of the problem remains unknown, but
treatment with medications such as amitriptyline helps in many cases.  Here is
another place where aerobic exercise may reduce the intensity of the symptoms.
Since any chronic pain can become very difficult to deal with, psychological
counseling is often considered as part of the treatment plan.  While this is a
difficult syndrome to both evaluate and diagnose, most physicians do agree
that it exists, even if the information that exists about it is both confusing
and incomplete at this time.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
