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Questions and Answers
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. "Tender points" refers to tenderness that occurs in precise, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.
2. How Many People Have Fibromyalgia? ( top )
According to information provided by the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Society of Canada, fibromyalgia is a common disease, affecting from 2% to almost 6% of the population. Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men (by a ratio of 4 to 1). The incidence of it increases with age, and it is most common in women 50 years of age or older.
3. What Causes Fibromyalgia? ( top )
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about causes or triggers of the disorder. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may be caused by an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people may trigger the syndrome, but no such agent has been identified. As well, new research suggests fibromyalgia may be related to sleep disturbances.
4. What are the warning signs of fibromyalgia? ( top )
If you have fibromyalgia you may experience a number of symptoms. Common symptoms include pain and swelling in many joints or soft tissues. As a result of the pain you may have trouble sleeping, and be very fatigued and feel weak throughout the day. Your memory may be poor and you could have trouble concentrating. You might also feel stiff, particularly in the morning. Some people also experience numbness in joints or muscles.
In addition, your eyes may be dry. You may feel unable to stand the cold and might develop sensitivities to certain foods, medications and/or allergens. Some people with fibromyalgia also experience depression, tension and migraine headaches, irritable bowel and bladder (characterized by pain in the abdomen and frequent need to go to the bathroom, or difficulty in doing so), chronic fatigue syndrome and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (characterized by pain in the jaw).
The heightened experience of pain of people with fibromyalgia often causes them to become less active in order to avoid pain. Decreased activity then causes the muscles to weaken, making future activity more difficult. Many people with fibromyalgia feel like they are on a downward cycle. If you are in pain and not sleeping well, it makes sense that you are going to be very tired or fatigued during the day. Being in pain and having no energy makes it difficult to manage normal activities such as maintaining a job and housekeeping, as well as recreational and other leisure pursuits. This can lead to stress and anxiety. Depression is also common in people with fibromyalgia. These stresses are made worse by the fact that people with fibromyalgia look “fine” to others. Thus, it is often hard for them to get understanding and support from family, friends and employers.
5. How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed? ( top )
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other disorders. The physician reviews the patient's medical history and makes a diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on a history of chronic widespread pain that persists for more than 3 months. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the disorder. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites.
The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the
Classification of Fibromyalgia
* For classification purposes, patients will be said to have fibromyalgia if both criteria are satisfied. Widespread
pain must have been present for at least 3 months. The presence of a second
clinical disorder does not exclude the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
6. How Is Fibromyalgia Treated? ( top )
Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician,
physical therapist, and patient may all play an active role in the management
of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and
walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat
and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may
help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. Patients with
fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical
therapy, sound wave therapy, muscle and general relaxation.
7. How Is Fibromyalgia Treated at ATCA ( top )
At the core of the Arthritis Treatment Centers’ treatment protocols for
fibromyalgia is the new enSonix medical device that generates therapeutic sound pressure
waves, which are applied to the whole body. It is an FDA registered class 1
medical device that provides sub sensory micro stimulation to increase blood
circulation, reduce pain, and relax muscles.
Each enSonix sound pressure wave treatment takes 25 minutes. You are seated in treatment chair in comfortable clothing while sound wave energy, is gently absorbed by your body. To promote a relaxation response and to also block out the audible sound from the enSonix device, you listen to music through a custom designed headset.
In addition, other treatments may be provided depending on the individual’s response to the sound energy. They may include all or any one of the following:
For patients currently taking prescribed medicines, all treatments are effective complementary therapies.
As well as these clinic-based therapies we also offer AquaSonix Therapy
programs specifically for fibromyalgia patients and the enSonix device for home
use.
8. What are the Arthritis Treatment Centers Results for Fibromyalgia Patients? ( top )
The sound-based treatments currently show a 58% success rate in people with fibromyalgia. The overall average reduction in pain for this group was 48%. Patients also report improved sleep, more energy, and greater mobility.
9. How does the enSonix Sound pressure wave therapy Work? ( top )
The enSonix generates sound pressure waves at selected frequencies that have three effects:
10. What do the Arthritis Treatment Centers Patients Have to Say? ( top )
Robin Saunders has been suffering from Fibromyalgia for over 10 years. He is a former Executive Director of the Canadian Fibromyalgia Association and served as a Patient Advocate with the Canadian Arthritis Society. After several treatments, here is what Robin had to say:
"I am from Toronto . I have FM, RA, OA and a number of other conditions. The level of pain is extremely high. After the second treatment I was amazed because I have non-restorative sleep pattern that goes along with FM and I never really slept a night right through. After 2 or 3 treatments at the center I only woke once and I felt refreshed in the morning."
"…it has given me a totally new life by being able to sleep…"
"It worked…for the first time I’m sleeping."
11. What Research Is Being Conducted on Fibromyalgia? ( top )
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is sponsoring research that will increase understanding of the
specific abnormalities that cause and accompany fibromyalgia with the hope of
developing better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent this disorder.
Recent NIAMS studies show that abnormally low levels of the hormone cortisol may be associated with fibromyalgia. At Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, researchers are studying regulation of the function of the adrenal gland (which makes cortisol) in fibromyalgia. People whose bodies make inadequate amounts of cortisol experience many of the same symptoms as people with fibromyalgia. It is hoped that these studies will increase understanding about fibromyalgia and may suggest new ways to treat the disorder.
NIAMS research studies are looking at different aspects of the disorder. At the University of Alabama in Birmingham, researchers are concentrating on how specific brain structures are involved in the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. At George Washington University in Washington, DC, scientists are investigating the causes of a post-Lyme disease syndrome as a model for fibromyalgia. Some patients develop a fibromyalgia-like condition following Lyme disease, an infectious disorder associated with arthritis and other symptoms.
NIAMS-supported research on fibromyalgia also includes several projects at the Institute's Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers. Researchers at these centers are studying individuals who do not seek medical care, but who meet the criteria for fibromyalgia. (Potential subjects are located through advertisements in local newspapers asking for volunteers with widespread pain or aching.) Other studies at the Centers are attempting to uncover better ways to manage the pain associated with the disorder through behavioral interventions such as relaxation training.
In March 1998, NIAMS and several other NIH institutes and offices issued a Request for Proposals to promote research studies of fibromyalgia. As a result of this request, NIAMS and its partners recently funded 15 new fibromyalgia projects totaling more than $3.6 million.
The NIAMS supports and encourages outstanding basic and clinical research that increases the understanding of fibromyalgia. However, much more research needs to be done before fibromyalgia can be successfully treated or prevented.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with researchers, physicians, and private voluntary health organizations, is committed to research efforts that are directed at significantly improving the health of all Americans afflicted with fibromyalgia.
12. Where Can People Get More Information About Fibromyalgia? ( top )
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 (listed in the telephone directory)
www.arthritis.org
This is the major voluntary organization devoted to arthritis. The foundation
publishes a free brochure, Coping With Pain, and a monthly magazine for members
that provides up-to-date information on all forms of arthritis. The foundation
also can provide addresses and phone numbers for local chapters and physician
and clinic referrals.
The Arthritis Society (National Office)
393 University Avenue, Suite 1700
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E6
CANADA
Phone: 416-979-7228
Fax: 416-979-8366
Email:info@arthritis.ca
Fibromyalgia Network
P.O. Box 31750
Tucson, AZ 85751-1750
800/853-2929
Contact Ms. Kristin Thorson
Fibromyalgia Partnership (formerly Fibromyalgia Association of Greater
Washington)
140 Zinn Way
Lindon, VA 22642-5609
(toll free) 866/725-4404
Fax: 540-622-2998
website: http://www.fmpartnership.org
National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign (NFAC)
2415 N. River Trail Road, Suite 200
Orange, CA 92865
714/921-0150
Fax: 714/921-8139
These are the main organizations devoted to fibromyalgia. They publish
newsletters and provide pamphlets on the disease.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a public service sponsored by the NIAMS that provides health information and information sources. The NIAMS, a component of the National Institute of Health, leads and coordinates the Federal medical effort in arthritis, musculoskeletal, bone, muscle, and skin diseases by conducting and supporting research projects, research training, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies, and by disseminating information on research initiatives and research results.
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