July 1995 • No. 3, Article 2
Unraveling The Mystery of Fibromyalgia
The Hawkins Center has represented and won many cases for clients who are
disabled because of pain. Some of these people suffer from a mysterious
and often misdiagnosed syndrome called fibromyalgia. The following
questions and answers were designed to help people understand fibromyalgia
better. If you suspect that you have fibromyalgia, we recommend that
you see a rheumatologist or other doctor who is very familiar with the
diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a form of generalized muscular pain and fatigue which mainly
affects muscles and their attachments to bones. It causes the muscle
to be especially vulnerable to decreased circulation and minor injury.
The name "fibromyalgia" has largely replaced the term "fibrositis", which
was once used to describe this disorder.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is difficult because no one laboratory test or
x-ray can diagnose it. Therefore, diagnosis depends largely on the
person's complaints and the ruling out by the physician of all other possible
causes for these complaints. Studies have shown that certain complaints,
such as generalized muscular pain and tender points, separate fibromyalgia
from other illnesses. The tender points are at specific locations
and are almost always on both sides of the body. (Figure 1).
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Pain is the most prominent symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is generally felt
all over, although it may start in one region, such as the neck and shoulders,
and then spread over a period of time. The pain varies according to time
of day, stress, activity level, weather, and sleep patterns.
About 90% of people with fibromyalgia describe moderate or severe fatigue
with lack of energy. Generally, people with fibromyalgia wake up feeling
tired, even after sleeping through the night. Changes in mood and thinking
are also common in fibromyalgia. Many people feel "blue" or "down" and
some also feel very anxious. Other symptoms may include tingling
and numbness in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face, headaches, abdominal
pain, bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and urinary urgency
or frequency. The skin and circulation are often sensitive to temperature
and moisture changes, resulting in temporary changes in skin color.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Many different factors,
alone or in combination, may trigger this disorder. For example,
a number of stresses – such as an illness, physical trauma, emotional trauma,
or hormonal changes – may precipitate the generalized pain, fatigue, sleep,
and mood problems that characterize the illness (Figure 2).
How is it treated?
Currently, treatment of fibromyalgia includes medications for pain and
sleep, exercise and muscle stretching, relaxation techniques, and educational
programs to assist with coping. Physical therapy may also be helpful.
Is fibromyalgia disabling?
Although fibromyalgia may have no effect on a person's functioning, levels
of pain and fatigue vary. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be severe
to the point of interfering in all aspects of a person's life, including
the ability to work. These individuals may require greater attention
in a program that employs physical or occupational therapists, medical
social workers, rheumatology nurses, mental health professionals, rehabilitation
counselors, and sleep specialists. The Hawkins Center has assisted
many people disabled by fibromyalgia obtain Social Security benefits.
The Good News:
Fibromyalgia is not a life-threatening or progressive disease. It
causes no damage to the body. Symptoms may vary but the overall condition
rarely worsens over time. With proper therapy, most people with fibromyalgia
improve and are able to deal with their complaints. Research is continuing
and should result in a better understanding of this condition, as well
as more effective treatment and even prevention.
Information for this article was obtained with permission from a pamphlet
produced by the Arthritis Foundation. This article is not intended
to take the place of medical treatment and diagnoses. For a free
pamphlet about fibromyalgia, call the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-464-6240,
or write 203 Willow Street, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94109.
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The Hawkins Center
A Non-Profit Agency Providing Legal and Support Services
to People with Disabilities
101 Broadway, Suite 1, Richmond, CA 94804, Phone: (510)232-6611,
Fax: (510)232-2271
email: info@hawkinscenter.org
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