Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by pain throughout the body. This disorder is sometimes known as the "invisible condition." In 1987, The American Medical Association (AMA) recognized FMS as a true illness and a major cause of disability. The exact cause of this syndrome is unknown. It is diagnosed more frequently in females than in males. Most patients develop the symptoms between the ages of 20 and 50 years. There is an estimated 5 million Americans affected by this disorder.
The word fibromyalgia means pains in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It used to be called Fibrositis, which means 'inflammation' (a process that can result in pain, swelling and stiffness). It feels like joint pain, but it is not considered a true form of arthritis.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by the presence of widespread pain in a combination with tenderness and pain throughout the body. The picture below shows the tender points that are painful when pressure is applied. You can explain to friends and family that it feels like the worst flu they have ever had. FMS is a sensitivity-amplification syndrome. This means that you can be hypersensitive to smells, sounds, lights, and vibrations. Your body might interpret a certain touch, light or sound as pain. Sound seems to be the most hypersensitive. Loud music, large crowds, and city noises tend to aggravate FMS patients beyond the point of tolerance. Changes in weather, especially cold weather, can make patients hurt more. FMS victims are usually cold most of the time (cold-natured) and a direct hit of cool air makes their muscles stiffen and hurt. Other aggravation factors include stress, depression, anxiety, and over-exertion. Since not all doctors have been trained to recognize this disorder, a rheumatologist is the kind of doctor to see.
The The Fibromyalgia Help Book by Jenny Fransen, RN, and I. Jon Russell, M.D.,Ph.D., states, "FMS can be described as an invisible, ongoing nightmare that others cannot see or feel. Being trapped in this nightmare may cause you to doubt your own sanity, which may contribute to depression and lead to withdrawal from society into lonely isolation."
