How Does Fibromyalgia Manifest Itself?
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About Fibromyalgia
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Fibromyalgia is a rheumatological disease associated with chronic pain and increased sensitivity to physical stimuli. No one is sure what causes this disorder, but sufferers have been found to have an increased amount of Substance P in their spinal fluid. Substance P transmits pain signals to and from the brain. There are treatments for fibromyalgia--such as drug therapy with tricyclic anti-depressants--but no cure. The disease is chronic, and about 30 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are classified as disabled.
Pain Symptoms
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Fibromyalgia's main symptoms are chronic pain throughout the body and "tender points"--specific places that become painful when gentle pressure is applied. The term for this is "allodynia," which describes a pain response to stimuli that is generally non-painful. According to the American College of Rheumatology, the two criteria for diagnosis are tenderness at 11 of the 18 points shown on the diagram, and pain throughout the body that lasts more than 3 months. Sensitivity may vary in the tender points, with each individual feeling different amounts of pain in affected points depending upon specific circumstances in her life, such as stress, illness or increased fatigue.
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Other Symptoms
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Associated symptoms can include severe fatigue, neuropathy, muscle spasms, irritable bowel syndrome and sleep disturbances. There may also be psychological symptoms, such as impaired concentration, memory problems and depression.
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