fi·bro·my·al·gia
/ˌfībrōmīˈalj(ē)ə/
NounA chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. Fibromyalgia is a neurosensory disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue. The condition is chronic (ongoing), but pain comes and goes and moves about the body. The disorder is often misdiagnosed or unrecognized and is and often complicated by mood and anxiety disorders.
Diagnosis
There are no specific laboratory tests to diagnosis fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is difficult and frequently missed because symptoms are vague and generalized. Tests will be done to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms before a diagnosis is made. Coexisting disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Lyme disease may further complicate the diagnostic process.
In 1990, the America College of Rheumatology developed standards for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. According to these standards, a person can be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of the 18 sites known as trigger points. Trigger point sites include the base of the neck, along the backbone, in front of the hip and elbow, and at the rear of the knee and shoulder. These standards have been criticized by some physicians as being too narrow for use in clinical practice. As of 2009, standards for diagnosis were under review.
Alternative treatment
Frustrated with the inability of conventional medicine to cure their pain, as many as 80% of individuals with fibromyalgia turn to alternative and complementary treatments to supplement conventional treatment. Common complementary therapies for fibromyalgia include:
- acupuncture
- biofeedback
- chiropractic care
- hypnosis
- magnesium supplements
- magnet therapy
- massage therapy
- s-adenosyl-L-methionine supplements
Friday 28 June 2013
Definition of the week : Fibromyalgia
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