U.S. Government Information On Fibromyalgia

Information provided by the U.S. Government through the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, a division of the National Institute of Health

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia have "tender points" on the body. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. These points hurt when pressure is put on them.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown.

Who Is Affected by Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia affects as many as 1 in 50 Americans. Most people with fibromyalgia are women. However, men and children also can have the disorder. Most people are diagnosed during middle age.

How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any medicines to treat fibromyalgia. Doctors treat fibromyalgia with medicines approved for other purposes. Pain medicines and antidepressants are often used in treatment.

Diagnosis

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states, "Fibromyalgia is hard to diagnose because many of the symptoms are like those of other disorders. There is no lab test for fibromyalgia. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has:

• Widespread pain for at least 3 months
• Tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites in the neck, spine, shoulders, hips, and knees.

There is some controversy about the criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia. Some experts believe that it is not necessary to have at least 11 tender points for diagnosis, or pain that affects all segments of the body at the same time."

Other Effects

Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia endure depression, insomnia, confusion ("fibro fog"), plus ensuing job loss, financial problems, and family stress.