Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
The term Fibromyalgia comes from the words “ fibro” for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments, “my” indicating muscles and “algia” meaning pain. It is a chronic, debilitating illness causing widespread pain and profound fatigue.
What are the symptoms?
As a collection of symptoms rather than a well understood disease, Fibromyalgia is known as a syndrome. Alongside pain which can be very severe and fatigue, the symptoms are varied.
How is Fibromyalgia diagnosed?
In the UK, diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is based on two main factors.
What treatment is available?
There is currently no known cure for Fibromyalgia. At present, treatment focuses on managing pain and sleep to help people live with the illness as best they can. Referral to a pain clinic by a GP may be needed.
Further information about fibromyalgia can be found here:
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Recording of our Q&A with Cort Johnson of Health Rising
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Health Rising: a wealth of resources about fibromyalgia and ME/CFS