Fibromyalgia Syndrome

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Fibromyalgia Syndrome is also known as "fibrositis".   It is a chronic syndrome with a set of signs and symptoms that include widespread constant degrees of pain that affects the muscles and attachments to bones.  It is often included in the family of arthritic conditions. Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 3.7 million Americans, mostly women. Its cause is unknown and it has no known cure. Most individuals get limited relief from medications.  

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME

Lack of energy

Moderate to severe fatigue/exhaustion

Mistaken or associated with the flu or lack of sleep

Decreased exercise endurance

  Generalized muscular pain

Tender muscular trigger points

Soft tissue or muscular rheumatism

Headaches

Depression

Stress

TREATMENT METHODS

Rest

Hot and cold packs on trigger points

Joint protection techniques

Trigger point pain medications to diminish pain and improve sleep

Therapeutic massage

Physical therapy

Acupuncture/acupressure

CONSIDERATIONS AND SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME

Make lifestyle modifications to conserve energy and minimize pain

Exercise regularly to:

reduce pain and fatigue

build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints

improve and increase overall conditioning

improve and increase cardiovascular fitness

Walk, bike, swim, or perform water aerobics or low impact aerobic exercises

Use a specially designed exercise program (developed by the Adapted Physical Educator) to improve posture, flexibility, and fitness levels

Learn and use relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension

Maintain appropriate weight

Be aware of medications taken for fibromyalgia syndrome and possible side effects.

References:

Rowland, R. (1996). Muscular pain and fatigue syndrome hard to diagnose. [On-line]. Available: http://www.tidalweb.com/fms/cnn_fm_article.shtml.

USA Fibromyalgia Association (1999). Fibrositis or fibromyalgia.

Links

Fibromyalgia Network

Information Sheet Home

Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained.

This web site was written by Linda Hilgenbrinck, Doctoral Candidate in Adapted Physical Education, Texas Woman's University, November, 1999.