Chronic, Flu-like Pain? It May Be Fibromyalgia

Influenza, normally called the “flu”, affects five to twenty percent of the population. Of those, approximately 150,000 people develop serious complications.  Common complaints with the flu include all over body aches, fatigue, muscle weakness, respiratory problems and pain. Now imagine having those symptoms on a daily basis. Three to six million Americans do not have to imagine. They suffer from Fibromyalgia (FMS), a chronic, musculoskeletal disorder causing comprehensive pain in tissues, muscles, and tendons. Flu-like aches, pain, fatigue, and weakness are persistent conditions of FMS. Women consist of eighty to ninety percent of FMS sufferers. The following illnesses frequently occur with Fibromyalgia.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (reported in 40-70% of patients)
• Sleep disturbances, (where patients never enter deep REM cycle), insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea.
• Morning stiffness or fatigue when muscles go through repetitive motions
• Depression
• Sensitivities to food, medicine, light, odor, sound, and temperature
• Headaches and migraines (reported by 50% of patients)
• Painful menstrual cycles
• Cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as "fibro fog”)
• Chest pains, shortness of breath, and dizziness
• Impaired muscle coordination, muscle twitching, numbness, or tingling of the extremities
• TMJ and other jaw discomfort (reported in 75% of patients)
• Skin sensitivities

As with the flu, people with FMS find completing everyday tasks difficult. Some symptoms cause people to change their careers or even to quit the workforce entirely. Several things can aggravate symptoms, including exposure to stress, temperature changes, hormonal changes, over-exertion, allergies, depression, and changes in other health problems.

Initially, patients visit the doctor to report the inconvenience of general body aches, pain, and fatigue. To determine the diagnosis, physicians may run blood tests and x-rays in addition to a physical exam. The criterion for diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (established by the American College of Rheumatology) is a “history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months and the presence of tender points”. Pain must exist in eleven of eighteen “tender points” found in the left and right sides of both the upper and lower body.

Research provides no known cure for Fibromyalgia. A combination of traditional medications and alternative treatments can alleviate symptoms. Physicians typically prescribe medications for managing depression, anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Some patients discover relief through alternative treatments (herbs, vitamins, massages, chiropractic procedures, acupuncture, and natural pain relievers).

Struggles with the flu are relatively short-lived compared to the chronic problems of FMS. Those with FMS can minimize their pain and other symptoms by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Physicians advise patients to perform flexibility and strength exercises, monitor their diet, balance periods of rest and activity, and maintain a support system. People do lead productive lives with traditional medicine, alternative treatments, and lifestyle changes.

With wide-ranging and invisible symptoms, FMS sufferers often lack family and social support. Many organizations offer literature, self-help classes, support groups and exercise programs. Taking a pro-active approach to understanding the syndrome will benefit patients and their families in coping with Fibromyalgia.

For more information, contact the following organizations.

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
  National Institutes of Health
  1 AMS Circle
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
  Phone: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) (free of charge)
  TTY: 301-565-2966
  Fax: 301-718-6366
  E-mail: NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov
  www.niams.nih.gov
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  National Institutes of Health
  P.O. Box 7923
  Gaithersburg, MD 20898-7923
  Phone: 888-644-6226 (free of charge)
  TTY: 866-464-3615 (free of charge)
• Fax: 866-464-3616 (free of charge)
  E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
  www.nccam.nih.gov
• American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals
  1800 Century Place, Suite 250
  Atlanta, GA 30345-4300
  Phone: 404-633-3777
  Fax: 404-633-1870
  www.rheumatology.org
• National Fibromyalgia Association
  2200 N. Glassell Street, Suite "A"
  Orange, CA 92865
  Phone: 714-921-0150
  www.fmaware.org
• Arthritis Foundation
  1330 West Peachtree Street
  Atlanta, GA 30309
  Phone: 404-872-7100 or
  800-283-7800 (free of charge) or call your local chapter
  (To find your local chapter, check your phone directory or visit the foundation's Web site.)
  www.arthritis.org

November 2004  Jennifer M. Akers