Differences Between Fibromyalgia & MS

Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis (MS) are chronic conditions that cause muscle pain and fatigue that interfere with daily life, but there are some differences between the two.

Diagnosis

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no test to diagnose fibromyalgia; a diagnosis is made if a patient has three months of pain and responds to 11 or more "tender points." Blood work, a spinal tap or a brain scan showing lesions definitively diagnose MS.

Muscle Function

Fibromyalgia patients experience severe muscle pain and/or numbness that worsens with overuse. The muscle problems in MS are caused by a neurological system breakdown.

Damage

Fibromyalgia symptoms can ease and worsen, but don't cause permanent damage to muscles or joints. MS "flares," too, but also causes deterioration of nerves, reports AOLhealth.com.

Prognosis

Though debilitating, fibromyalgia is not life threatening. Multiple sclerosis is progressive, with symptoms that can become more disabling over time.

Treatment

Fibromyalgia treatment includes medication for pain and sleep problems. MS treatment targets symptoms and uses drugs to slow the disease's progression or block immune system reactions that would cause further damage, says the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

It is possible to have fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, reports CausesOfFibromyalgia.info. If separate doctors are treating you, be sure they are aware of any medications you are taking.

References

• Fibromyalgia Myths: The Truth About 9 Common Myths
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Will My Multiple Sclerosis Become Worse Over Time?