Fibromyalgia syndrome, also called FMS, is a common painful condition of body tissues that often includes fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbance, irritable bowel syndrome and irritable bladder syndrome. It affects 4% of all people (over 5 million Americans), 95% of people affected being women. Since FMS cannot be diagnosed with normal testing, many people suffering with it go undiagnosed for several years, or are misdiagnosed with an ailment or disease that has the same symptoms as FMS, and this often leads to depression. Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose since the symptoms mimic those of other common ailments, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Lyme's Disease and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is also trying for many patients since it is an "invisible disease", and if the tests come back negative, the patients claims are most often ignored by health professionals. Most often, this syndrome is diagnosed with a pressure point test. FMS patients have at least 11 out of 18 points on their body that when pressed, produce a pain that does not go away even after the physician stops applying the pressure.

   People with Fibromyalgia live their daily lives with pain and fatigue. The pain is associated with that of muscular rheumatism. Sometimes FMS is often confused with MPS, or Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The difference is that MPS is a neuromuscular chronic pain condition with trigger points that not only refer pain, but can also cause symptoms such as extreme dizziness, migraine headaches, and knee pain. Specific regional pain is a symptom of MPS. Spread-out, body-wide pain is a symptom of FMS. The fatigue is caused by a type of dysfunctional sleep called the alpha-delta sleep anomaly. As soon as people with FMS reach the deep level sleep, alpha brain waves interrupt and can bring them back to a more shallow sleep or wake them entirely. Not only are patients denied the refreshing sleep they need, but delta level is when the body does repair work and chemical replenishment.

   One other disturbing symptom of FMS is memory loss, and lack of concentration, which is especially hard to deal with in a work environment. Other patients live with digestive problems, pain during intercourse, impotence, pain when putting hands in cold water, and grinding the teeth at night, as well as many other disruptive symptoms.

   There is no cure for FMS, however, it can be controlled with prescription medicine, an exercise plan, and general modification of every day tasks. Anti-depressants such as Paxil and Trazadone are often prescribed as a sleep medication for the patients to receive the deep sleep they need to function during the day, and many patients take prescription medication to control pain. A gentle, low impact exercise program, such as water aerobics in a heated pool, is also recommended to decrease muscle pain, as are slow stretching exercises. Because the muscles in FMS patients do not repair themselves the way they do in a person without FMS, high impact exercise should be avoided. Modifying everyday life is required to use what little energy the patient has to focus on the day's important tasks. The patient may require the help of others to do household chores and running errands when they are not feeling their best. Being a part of a support group can also help patients understand what they are going through, deal with the grief that comes with a Chronic Disorder, and learn valuable information on making the necessary life changes to live a "normal" life.

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   FMS patients usually will also need their work environment modified. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires an employer to make needed arrangements and/or adjustments to make sure the employee can fully function in their position. These changes often include setting up an ergonomic workspace, purchasing special equipment, limiting certain responsibilities such as lifting heavy objects, or assigning the employee to a more suited assignment. Most employers are more than happy to work with an employee on this subject, and will provide the help necessary to make the work transition go smoothly. If a patient finds that they are unable to work due to their pain and fatigue, there is hope. Many patients who cannot work have successfully been able to collect disability benefits.

   If you have more than one of the above mentioned symptoms, and think you may have FMS, see your physician. Unless they have knowledge in this area, they will refer you to an experienced doctor, such as a Rheumatologist, who can provide an accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will work with you on medication combinations, an exercise and nutrition plan, and help you get the help and support you need.

For more information on FMS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or MPS, please visit the following links, or ask your doctor.

	The Institute for Molecular Medicine
	Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome Information
	Living With Fibromyalgia
	The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association, Inc.
	National Fibromyalgia Research Association