What i s fi bromyal gi a?

Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder affecting

the soft tissues of the body (muscles, muscle
coverings and ligaments) over a widespread
area from the neck to the knees. In the past it
has been called fibrositis and soft tissue
rheumatism.
A feature of this rather puzzling condition
is that it is chronic, meaning that it lasts for at
least three months and usually on and off
for years.
What i s t he cause?
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.
However, it is thought that certain chemical
substances produced in the central nervous
system circulate to the soft tissues and make
them very sensitive to pain.
There is no hidden serious disease, injury or
other damage causing the problem.
Who get s fi bromyal gi a?
It occurs in all types of people. It usually
appears in adults between the ages of 30 and
60, particularly in people in their 30s and
40s. It is six times more common in females
compared with males.
What are t he usual sympt oms?
Aches and pains in the areas shown, espe-
cially of the neck, shoulders and back
Stiffness in these areas
Tenderness over spots in these areas
called trigger points
Fatigue
Sleeping difficulties
Emotional reactions to the problem
Some people may get an irritable bowel
condition
Note: the degree of pain varies from person
to person and for an individual can vary
from day to day.
What are t he aggravat i ng fac-
t ors?
Stress
Fatigue and overwork
Exposure to dampness and cold
Excessive activity
What i s t he out l ook?
Despite the severity or length of the dis-
comfort, the problem always has the poten-
tial to settle down and spontaneous recovery
sometimes occurs.
Others tend to have the condition flare up,
with periods of feeling well on and off for a
long time, even years.
Although uncomfortable, fibromyalgia is
not life-threatening. A good way to cope
with it is to consider it rather like tinnitus
(constant ringing in the ears), which is pre-
sent in the background, but not so notice-
able when one keeps busily occupied and
distracted with interesting things.
What i s t he t reat ment ?
There are many treatments available, but no
particular one is magic. The goal of treat-
ment is self-management.
It is advisable to avoid multiple treatments,
especially physical treatments that do not
give significant relief.
Sel f-hel p
Try to understand what aggravates the prob-
lem (such as stress, emotion, heavy activity,
tiredness) and avoid these factors.
Try other strategies that may suit you, for
example:
Heat, such as hot baths and showers, heat
packs or compresses
Relaxation techniques
Pleasant distractions
An exercise program exercise is very
important
A postural-related program (eg, yoga, tai
chi)
Hydrotherapy
There is no proven special diet, but avoid
substances that interfere with sleep, such as
caffeine and alcohol.
Suppor t programs
Most people are helped by a relaxation pro-
gram and also a supervised rehabilitation
exercise program, including walking, swim-
ming and cycling. There are experienced
therapists who can help.
Medi cat i on
There is no single drug for fibromyalgia, but
there are a variety of drugs that can help
some people on an individual basis. Your
doctor may give you a trial of one of these.
PATIENT INFORMATION
Fibromyalgia
AUTHOR: PROFESSOR JOHN MURTAGH
Copyright of Professor John Murtagh and Australian Doctor. This patient handout may be photocopied or printed out by a doctor free of charge for patient information purposes.
Typi cal t ender
poi nt s of
fi bromyal gi a