Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyositis and fibrositis, is a common chronic disease, characterized by widespread, constant pain throughout the body, sleeping disturbances, and abnormal exhaustion. The majority of people with fibromyalgia are women, in whom the initial symptoms appear between the ages of 20 and 50. However, fibromyalgia can also affect men, teenagers and children.

What causes fibromyalgia?

In some people, fibromyalgia develops with no apparent cause. In others, the disease appears after a traumatic experience such as an accident, an emotional trauma, overworking, hormonal changes, sexual or physical abuse during childhood, or a viral disease. The real cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. Research is being done to identify the probable cause(s) of this syndrome.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is characterized by a variety of symptoms which vary from one person to the next and may change on an hourly or daily basis.

The following is a list of the primary symptoms:

-- non-restoring sleep (feeling of fatigue on awaking and morning stiffness that may persist during the day)

-- gastrointestinal problems (stomach or intestinal spasms, constipation, diarrhea, etc.)

-- headaches and migraines

-- increased symptoms during times of stress

-- increased pain due to changes in temperature (humidity, cold and air-conditioning)

-- feeling of swelling, numbness

-- pain increased by too little or too much physical activity

-- tendency to feel depressed, anxious and sad

-- lack of concentration and memory loss

-- fatigue and muscle weakness.

Is it true that fibromyalgia \"is all in the head\"?

Until recently, it was very difficult for people with fibromyalgia to be diagnosed. There was no clear medical definition of the syndrome, and doctors often failed to acknowledge that the pain and fatigue were real. People with fibromyalgia were often told that their symptoms were \"all in their imaginations\"..CONTINUES.www.canadian-health-network.ca