FIBROMYALGIA INFORMATION  

 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue.  The pain tends to be felt as diffuse aching or burning, often described as head to toe.  It may be worse at some times than at others.  It may also change location, usually becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used most. 


The fatigue ranges from feeling tired, to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. It may come and go and people can suddenly feel drained of all energy – as if someone “pulled the plug”.


Fibromyalgia is a common illness.  In fact, it is as common as rheumatoid arthritis and can even be more painful.  People with mild to moderate cases of fibromyalgia are usually able to live a normal life, given the appropriate treatment.  If symptoms are severe, however, people may not be able to hold down a paying job or enjoy much of a social life.  The name fibromyalgia is made up from “fibro” for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments; “my” indicating muscles and “algia” meaning pain.Beside pain and fatigue fibromyalgia symptoms often include:-

 

  • Unrefreshing sleep – waking up tired and stiff
  • Headaches – ranging from ordinary types to migraine
  • Depression
  • IBS (bladder as well as bowels)
  • Cognitive disturbances (including lack of concentration)
  • Clumsiness and dizziness
  • Sensitivity to changes in the weather, noise,bright lights, smoke and other environmental factors
  • Allergies

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE
Official Fibromyalgia Association UK Web Site