All of these patients had symptoms that mimicked fibromyalgia but the trained examiners in the study were not tricked and could pinpoint those who had fibromyalgia with 88% accuracy. This study was considered the benchmark for inclusion of fibromyalgia as a known physical disorder that could be distinguished from other pain disorders. Many physicians diagnose fibromyalgia only on the number of tender points found on an individual but this criteria may not be accurate since it was originally created for research purposes and not as a means of diagnosis. (2)
Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia will also experience overall fatigue, problems with irritable bowel, sleep disorders, chronic headaches, jaw pain which includes TMJ, morning stiffness, menstrual cramping, dizziness or lightheadedness and skin and chemical sensitivities. Symptoms also include a reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain which increases after exercise, a feeling of swelling in the hands and feet (without actual swelling), anxiety and depression and jaw or facial tenderness. Some individuals also suffer from an increased number of tension or migraine headaches. (3)
Approximately 2% of the population in the United States suffers from fibromyalgia and women are much more likely to suffer and be diagnosed than men. Some individuals find that the symptoms begin after a physical or emotional trauma but in other cases there appears to be no triggering events.
References:
(1) Fibromyalgia Network: Diagnosis
http://www.fmnetnews.com/fibro-basics/diagnosis
(2) American College of Rheumatology: The American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and Measurement of Symptom Severity
(3) MayoClinic: Fibromyalgia
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/ds00079/dsection=symptoms
(4) American Family Physician: Treating Fibromyalgia
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1575.html
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