Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition characterized by pain throughout the body. Women are diagnosed with it far more often than men, and much about the disease remains unknown. Use this Web guide to learn more about fibromyalgia, including how it’s diagnosed and treated. You’ll also find resources on how to cope and where to find support.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by pain and fatigue, symptoms present in many other conditions. For that reason, being diagnosed with the syndrome can be a difficult, frustrating task for someone who is suffering. In this section, learn what the disease is, how it’s diagnosed and its causes.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Fibromyalgia is abbreviated online as FM, and many Web sites that discuss it also talk about a similar condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, which is abbreviated as CFS ME.
- Though fibromyalgia can be a painful and sometimes debilitating condition to endure, it is not life-threatening or progressive, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of fibromyalgia ...
Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
in Pennsylvania has a brief overview of fibromyalgia that explains what it is, its triggers and its symptoms.
MedlinePlus
, part of the National Library of Medicine, has an interactive tutorial that provides an overview of fibromyalgia. The tutorial is also summarized in a PDF document.
For fibromyalgia in children …
Children’s Hospital Boston
describes fibromyalgia and lists the symptoms commonly found in kids. The page also discusses diagnosis and treatment.
For causes and diagnosis …
The American College of Rheumatology
explains how fibromyalgia is diagnosed. A diagram of the body shows the tender points that doctors use in their assessments.
Treating Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia isn’t fatal but it can’t be cured. Doctors often manage the chronic disease with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. The sites below introduce you to the treatments that are available for fibromyalgia.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Some with fibromyalgia believe that complementary and alternative medicine, such as massage and acupuncture, help their symptoms. To learn more about alternative medicine, see the findingDulcinea Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For a treatment overview …
The National Fibromyalgia Association
briefly describes the different types of treatments used to manage fibromyalgia’s symptoms.
For fibromyalgia medication …
The American College of Rheumatology
describes the types of medication used to treat fibromyalgia.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has an article on “Living with Fibromyalgia,” with a focus on Lyrica and Cymbalta, two drugs approved to treat the condition.
To find a rheumatologist …
The American College of Rheumatology
has a variety of search features that help you find a rheumatologist by name or location. Because some members work in research, be sure to check the “Members providing Patient Care” box to find someone who can treat you.
For clinical trials …
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that provides a list of clinical trials currently underway to research fibromyalgia. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
Fibromyalgia Support
Although fibromyalgia can seem like an isolating condition, it’s easy to connect with others who share the same experiences. Face to face support groups, coupled with blogs and online forums, do well to provide a backdrop for the sharing of stories, support and advice.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Stress is thought to contribute to fibromyalgia. To learn more about managing life’s stresses, see the findingDulcinea Stress Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For support groups …
National Fibromyalgia Association
has a directory of support groups in 45 states, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia and Costa Rica.
For coping …
The National Pain Foundation
suggests advice for self-managing fibromyalgia, such as doing things in moderation and stress management.
Mayo Clinic
suggests creating a plan to cope with bad days when fibromyalgia flares up. Learn why a plan is important, what should be in the plan and when to use the plan.
The American Academy of Family Physicians
urges people with fibromyalgia to exercise, starting with stretching and gentle activity. Find advice on the best forms of exercise for those managing the disease.
For forums …
But You Don’t Look Sick
has message boards addressing all aspects of life with fibromyalgia, such as “Recently Diagnosed” and “Doctors and Hospitals.” There are also special boards for people in their late teens and twenties and older adults.
FibroWorks
has a series of forums that discuss different aspects of fibromyalgia. Register for free to post messages. Forum topics include “Staying Active” and “Treatment Discussions.” There’s also a Yahoo e-mail group you can sign up for; e-mail messages to a specific address, and that message is e-mailed to all members.
For blogs …
Living with Fibromyalgia
is written by a woman with fibromyalgia. The blog presents fibromyalgia news and research, and discusses living with the syndrome.
Fibrant Living
is written by a woman with fibromyalgia. The blog covers news items and studies while a podcast shares coping techniques.
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