Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, which causes widespread pain and fatigue, as well as a variety of other symptoms.  The name Fibromyalgia comes from “fibro” meaning fibrous tissues (such as tendons and ligaments), “my” meaning muscles, and “alga” meaning pain.  Unlike arthritis, Fibromyalgia does not cause pain or swelling in joints:  instead it produces pain in the soft tissue around joints, in skin and in various organs of the body.

The pain of Fibromyalgia usually consists of diffuse aching or burning and it is often accompanied by muscle spasm.  It varies from day to day and can change location, becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used the most (i.e. the face and jaws, neck, shoulders and feet).  In some people the pain can be intense enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living including their occupational activities.  The fatigue of Fibromyalgia may vary from person to person ranging from a tired feeling to the exhaustion of flu-like illness.  The good news is that FMS is not fatal, nobody dies from it.

Up to 10 million Americans have been estimated to have Fibromyalgia.  The condition exists worldwide and while most prevalent in adult women it can occur in children, the elderly and men.