$Unique_ID{BRK01403}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{What is Fibromyalgia?}
$Subject{pain fibromyalgia}
$Volume{M-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Fibromyalgia?


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QUESTION:  It is a new one on me, but the frequent aches and pains I have been
experiencing for some time now, have finally been diagnosed as "fibromyalgia".
However, even with that knowledge I have been unable to find real relief,
though I have used just about everything available.  Can you tell me about
this disease, and possibly suggest some treatments that may help?  This has
really got me down.

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ANSWER:  Many of our readers may not know about fibromyalgia.  It's a chronic
pain condition that is thought to affect three to six million persons in the
U.S., primarily women.  Also called "fibromyositis" and "myofascial pain
syndrome" the complaints and symptoms may be so general and non specific and
difficult to evaluate that fibromyalgia is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed,
and doctors and patients alike become frustrated with the problems.  The good
news is that it doesn't threaten life, deform or debilitate.
     Symptoms include chronic pain and stiffness in muscles and joints,
especially the neck, shoulder, lower back or hip.  Morning fatigue, abdominal
pain, disrupted sleep, sensitivity to temperature extremes and headaches are
often reported.  Patients with fibromyalgia have many tender spots around the
shoulder and knee.  Before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made, other systemic
diseases like arthritis should be ruled out.
     Relief can sometimes be gained with stretching exercises, improved sleep,
local applications of heat and gentle massage.  The condition may disappear
when some stressful life situation is resolved.  If you have tried all the
ordinary pain relievers without much help, suggest the use of amitriptyline
hydrochloride or a combination of amitriptyline and naproxen sodium, to your
physician.  Benefits reported from bedtime treatment with this combination of
a low dose tricyclic antidepressant and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
(NSAID) medication include improved sleep, and reduced fatigue, pain and
tenderness.  However even with the hope of some improvement using these
medications, you will have to realize that this is a chronic condition, and
your own resolve to overcome by developing your own coping mechanisms, may be
the best treatment available to you today.
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.
