Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a painful, chronic illness primarily involving widespread muscle pain (often described as burning, throbbing, shooting or stabbing), and stiffness. The pain and stiffness are often worse of the morning and can vary from mild to debilitating. It is one of the most common illnesses affecting the muscles and generates between 20 to 30 million physician visits a year in the U.S. alone.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Research studies indicate that a genetic predisposition makes some people more susceptible to developing Fibromyalgia. However, based on studies of identical twins, other research indicates that genetic predisposition is not the only factor. Other important issues are lifestyle and the total accumulated load of microbes and toxins in the body. (Most of us are exposed to toxins in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the products we use on a daily basis.)

Fibromyalgia often surfaces when a trauma throws the body's system off track. This could be physical (i.e., a severe bacterial or viral infection, accident or chemical exposure), or emotional (i.e., a divorce or death in the family). Patients often report a history of illness or injury within the year before their symptoms started. Others report their symptoms came on gradually. They have often lived with on-going stress for years.

How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Often people with Fibromyalgia will go through a variety of medical tests, only to have the results come back normal, yet their symptoms persist. To meet the diagnostic criteria a person must have:

• Widespread pain in all four quadrants of their body for at least three months and
• Specified tender points found on the neck, upper back, shoulders, elbows, upper buttocks, hips and knees.

Contrary to popular belief, the 11 of 18 tender point criteria was established for research purposes and 11 are not required. A few people may have Fibromyalgia with less than 11 tender points provided they have widespread pain and several symptoms commonly associated with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other illnesses. Unfortunately, the diagnosis ignores the systemic nature of the illness and offers no clues to the underlying cause.

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

In addition to pain and tender points, symptoms of FMS vary widely in number and intensity and can develop over time or suddenly.

• Anxiety, depression, mood swings
• Bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea
• Chemical sensitivities including medications
• Cold hands and feet
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth and/or eyes
• Fatigue and/or lethargy
• Food allergies (often hidden)
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Itchy scalp
• Memory lapse, difficulty concentrating, transposing numbers and words
• Numbness and tingling in hands, arms, feet, legs and/or face
• Sensitivity to light, sound, odors, and/or temperature
• Sleep disturbances
• Vision changes and/or floaters

Fibromyalgia is often associated with other illnesses, especially Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.

Other Conditions/Illnesses Often Associated with Fibromyalgia

• Cancer
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Diabetes or hypoglycemia
• Gulf War syndrome
• HIV/AIDS
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Hidden food allergies
• Hypothyroidism or (occasionally) Hyperthyroidism
• Irritable bladder or Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lyme disease
• Menstrual cramps and PMS
• Mouth lesions/Canker sores
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Seasonal affective disorderSystemic lupuS
• Temperomandibular jaw pain (TMJ)
• Yeast, parasites and/or other intestinal infections

An individual holistic approach, along with avoiding exposure to substances that trigger reactions (foods, fumes, toxic chemicals, etc.) has been the most effective treatment to date. If you think you have FMS, see a natural-minded doctor who understands root causes.

Who is at Risk for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is seen in all age groups from young children to the elderly, although in most patients symptoms appear between 25-50 years of age. It affects more women than men (about 65 percent to 35 percent respectively).

NOTE: These statements are meant for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for appropriate medical advice or treatment. FCI offers support as an adjunct to, but not a substitute for, professional health care. Any attempt to diagnose or treat illness should come under the direction of a healthcare professional.