Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.
An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP.
Information for Patients Living with Fibromyalgia
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a common condition that causes pain in muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. People with fibromyalgia often feel tired and stiff. They may also have trouble sleeping and may feel depressed. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are a little different in every person who has it. Fibromyalgia isn't life-threatening, but it doesn't ever go away completely.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Doctors think that not sleeping well and not exercising might cause it. One idea is that certain things like stress or poor sleep may cause fibromyalgia in people who are more sensitive to pain.
How does my doctor know I have fibromyalgia?
No tests can prove you have fibromyalgia. Tests come back normal, but you still hurt. The diagnosis is likely when the symptoms you have fit the right pattern, but no other problems are found. When your doctor examines you, you'll have many "tender points" where your skin hurts even if you barely touch it. Common tender points are at the front of the knees and elbows, the hip joints and around the neck.
How is fibromyalgia treated?
You and your doctor must work together to treat your fibromyalgia. Treatment should help ease your symptoms. Your doctor may have you take medicine to help you sleep and to reduce your pain. Good nutrition and regular sleep and exercise often help. Low-impact aerobic exercise like swimming or stationary bicycling can help you feel better. You and your doctor can decide which types of exercise are best for you. Exercise might make your pain worse at first. If you do it regularly, though, it usually helps. Try not to exercise too hard. If you do too much on days that you feel good, you might end up feeling worse.
Along with medicine and exercise, some people have found help in support groups of other people who have fibromyalgia. Others prefer counseling or therapy. You and your doctor can decide what treatment will help you make your day-to-day life better.
For more information:
Arthritis Foundation
1330 W. Peachtree St.
Atlanta, GA 30309
Telephone: 1-800-283-7800
Web address: http://www.arthritis.orgThe Fibromyalgia Network
P.O. Box 31760
Tucson, AZ 85751
Telephone: 1-800-853-2929
Web address: http://www.fmnetnews.com
This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.
Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.
Copyright © 2000 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.
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