Fibromyalgia (FMS)
This condition is characterised by widespread pain and generalised tenderness. Common symptoms (see below for comprehensive list) include pain, stiffness and fatigue although there are a number of associated conditions such as headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. FMS can be mistaken for other conditions and this is one reason why it can take some time to reach a diagnosis.
Range of symptoms (note that you do not have to experience all of these)
- Widespread Pain
- Morning Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Visual Problems
- Nausea
- Sleep Disorders
- Urinary and Pelvic Problems
- Weight Gain
- Dizziness
- Chronic Headaches
- Cold Symptoms
- Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndromes
- “Fibrofog”: Cognitive or Memory Impairment
- Skin Complaints
- Chest Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dysmenorrhea
- Myofascial Pain
- Muscle Twitches
- Weakness
- Memory Loss
There are some conditions that can be confused with FMS including the following:
- Lyme disease
- Lupus
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome
- Cervical spinal stenosis
It is important to gain a diagnosis from a specialist who would usually be a rheumatologist.
Current thinking considers FMS to be largely due to sensitivity that develops in the central nervous system. Research has found changes within the nervous system that can explain the range of symptoms and the persisting nature of fibromyalgia, including chemical levels and cortical reorganisation. It is also believed that there are abnormal responses to stress that lead to further and maintained sensitivity. Oxidative stress is also thought to be a contributing factor.
As with many chronically painful conditions we have a far greater understanding of the underpinning mechanisms meaning that treatment can be more effective. In essence the model of care should be biopsychosocial to encompass the many influecing factors upon the pain and to work with the range of symptoms and associated disorders.
Please see treatment page for more details.
Fibromyalgia UK is a website with a great deal of useful information.
