Subscribe to ePublications email updates. Print this fact sheet Fibromyalgia fact sheet (PDF, 476 KB) Autoimmune diseases fact sheet Chronic fatigue syndrome fact sheet Fibromyalgia (fye-bro-mye-AL-ja) is a disorder that causes aches and pain all over the body. People with fibromyalgia also have "tender points" throughout their bodies. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs that hurt when pressure is put on them. In addition to pain, people with fibromyalgia could also have: Fibromyalgia affects as many as 5 million Americans ages 18 and older. Most people with fibromyalgia are women (about 80 - 90 percent). However, men and children also can have the disorder. Most people are diagnosed during middle age. Fibromyalgia can occur by itself, but people with certain other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other types of arthritis, may be more likely to have it. Individuals who have a close relative with fibromyalgia are more likely to develop it themselves.
The causes of fibromyalgia are not known. Researchers think a number of factors might be involved. Fibromyalgia can occur on its own, but has also been linked to: People with fibromyalgia often see many doctors before being diagnosed. One reason for this may be that pain and fatigue, the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, also are symptoms of many other conditions. Therefore, doctors often must rule out other possible causes of these symptoms before diagnosing fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia cannot be found by a lab test. A doctor who knows about fibromyalgia, however, can make a diagnosis based upon two criteria: Your doctor may try to rule out other causes of your pain and fatigue. Testing for some of these things may make sense to you. For instance, you may find it reasonable that your doctor wants to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, since that disease also causes pain. Testing for other conditions — such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or sleep apnea — may make less sense to you.
But fibromyalgia can mimic or even overlap many other conditions. Talk with your doctor. He or she can help you understand what each test is for and how each test is part of making a final diagnosis. Fibromyalgia can be hard to treat. It's important to find a doctor who has treated others with fibromyalgia. Many family doctors, general internists, or rheumatologists can treat fibromyalgia. Rheumatologists are doctors who treat arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints and soft tissues. Treatment often requires a team approach. The team may include your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health care providers. A pain or rheumatology clinic can be a good place to get treatment. Treatment for fibromyalgia may include the following: Besides taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, there are many things you can do to lessen the impact of fibromyalgia on your life. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts a long time — possibly a lifetime.
However, it may be comforting to know that fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease. It is never fatal, and it will not cause damage to the joints, muscles, or internal organs. In many people, the condition does improve over time. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia are alike in many ways. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to have both fibromyalgia and CFS. Some experts believe that fibromyalgia and CFS are in fact the same disorder, but expressed in slightly different ways. Both CFS and fibromyalgia have pain and fatigue as symptoms. The main symptom of CFS is extreme tiredness. CFS often begins after having flu-like symptoms. But people with CFS do not have the tender points that people with fibromyalgia have. To be diagnosed with CFS, a person must have: Many experts in fibromyalgia do not suggest patients go on disability. These experts have found that if patients stop working, they: All of these things can make a patient feel more alone and depressed.
These three things tend to make fibromyalgia symptoms worse. Deciding to go on disability is a hard choice that you should talk about with your doctor or nurse. However, if you cannot work because of your fibromyalgia, contact the Social Security Administration for help with disability benefits. You may qualify for disability benefits through your employer or the Federal Government. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) are the largest Federal programs providing financial assistance to people with disabilities. Although the medical requirements for eligibility are the same under the two programs, the way they are funded is different. SSDI is paid by Social Security taxes, and those who qualify for assistance receive benefits based on how much they have paid into the system. SSI is funded by general tax revenues, and those who qualify receive payments based on financial need. For information about the SSDI and SSI programs, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases sponsors research to help understand fibromyalgia and find better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent it. For more information about fibromyalgia, call womenshealth.gov at 800-994-9662 (TDD: 888-220-5446) or contact the following organizations: Fibromyalgia fact sheet was reviewed by: Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center Content last updated: July 16, 2012.Deep Tissue - is a spa massage of the tissue that lies beneath the superficial layer of tissue. It is a remedial therapeutic procedure that is designed primarily to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with soft tissue. Deep Tissue Massage will improve range of motion, remedy postural problems, and improve recovery time from injury. Trigger Point Massage and Accupressure are used as part of Deep Tissue Massage to remove knots. Swedish Massage - is a massage of the superficial layer of tissue.
This spa procedure is designed to reduce stress and tension in your muscles, thereby inducing a relaxed state that promotes wellness and improves sleeping. Facial Massage - is a technique aimed at alleviating undesireable symptoms emanating from the head, neck, or shoulder areas. The Massage SpaTherapist concentrates on the face, scalp, neck and shoulder areas of the body. Facial Massage is ideal for remedying pain and discomfort associated with headaches, tooth grinding, sinusitis, or eye strain. In particular, owing to the vast amount of time devoted to work on a computer, cervical problems arise because eye concentration often puts the neck in an unnatural position. Sports Massage - is a remedial spa procedure that uses vibration and stretching to reduce swelling, cramps, and tension arising from sports-related activities. It often targets such areas as the calves, hamstrings, elbows and shoulders. Pre-natal Massage - is a special type of spa massage designed for pregnant women.
Our therapists are knowledgeable in pregnancy and anatomy. Both mother and baby share in the overall benefits of the massage. * Please check with your physician before scheduling a pre-natal massage. You must be at least 4 months pregnant, and have clearance from a physician. The procedure reduces swelling and alleviates aches, pains, and stress associated with pregnancy, - is a form of Swedish Massage that uses the application of heat to a client's body. The therapist either places stones on the client's body or massages the client's body with heated stones in order to promote relaxation from strain and tension. This spa procedure is recommended for people with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or arthritis. - is a type of spa service that is given to clients who prefer to receive a massage while sitting in a massage chair. Whereas table massages last at least one hour, chair massages can be of shorter duration. Chair Massage is also portable in that it can be done off site for special occasions or events.