Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Syndrome – FMS (also called fibrositis or fibromyositis) is a syndrome that causes chronic, sometimes debilitating muscle pain and fatigue.  Fibromyalgia can often be similar to the pain that is experienced by people who have arthritis although the joints are not affected.  Fibromyalgia affects mostly women, between the ages of 35 to 60 years, however, it can also affect children.

Signs and Symptoms

The pain caused by Fibromyalgia can vary, depending on the time of day, weather changes, physical activity, and the presence of stressful situations.  It has been described as stiffness, burning, radiating, throbbing and aching. The pain is often more intense after disturbed sleep. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are most common in patients with fibromyalgia. Between a quarter and a third of patients experience depression, and disturbances in mood and concentration are very common.  Fibromyalgia patients are also prone to tension or migraine headaches.

General symptoms include:

• Pain
• Sleep disturbance
• Stiffness, which is usually worse in the morning
• Headaches 
• Fatigue

Some people may experience:

• dizziness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, 
• gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome with gas and alternating diarrhoea and constipation 
• painful menstrual periods

People with fibromyalgia also tend to have low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and its precursor, an amino acid called tryptophan.  Low levels of both these chemicals are associated with depression and other symptoms of fibromyalgia, including gastrointestinal distress, migraine headaches, and anxiety.

Depression is very common which means that it is highly likely that a high percentage of fibromyalgia patients will also experience depression independent of the muscular disorder.  Depressed feelings in people with fibromyalgia are often reactions to the pain and fatigue caused by this syndrome.

Another symptom of fibromyalgia is sleep disturbance, which may actually be due to sleep disorders, chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, a breathing disorder often marked by loud snoring and thrashing in bed.

Causes

The exact cause of Fibromyalgia Syndrome is unknown. Researchers have suggested that FMS may be triggered by things such as viral illnesses, physical or emotional trauma, stress and depression. However for many people FMS develops gradually without any apparent cause.

Some medical professionals believe that fibromyalgia is not a disease but rather a dysfunctional disorder caused by responses to stress in people who are more prone to stress because of negative histories or genetic factors.   However, it is now more commonly believed that anxiety and depression are more than likely a result of fibromyalgia rather than a cause.

Management

Diagnosis is the first important step. A doctor will normally conduct a number of tests to rule out any other medical conditions before diagnosing FMS. 

Treatment methods include:

• Medication: to manage pain, reduce stress or promote sleep
• Gentle exercise: Tai Chi or water based activities 
• Stress management and relaxation techniques 
• Massage

References and Resources:

Most information and support related to Fibromyalgia can be found via the Arthritis Associations and/or the ME/CFS Societies in each state.

Arthritis Australia Information sheet

Arthritis Australia State contacts

The ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Australia Limited (ME/CFS Australia)