The Mayo Clinic estimates that approximately 2 percent of the population of the United States is living with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes widespread muscle pain or discomfort, fatigue, and body tenderness (Mayoclinic.com).
Symptoms
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can change depending on the weather, the amount of stress an individual has or the time of day. Symptoms typically include constant dull muscle aches on both sides of the body, tender parts along the body and sleep difficulties and fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
People with fibromyalgia may also have other medical conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, lupus, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis.
Diagnosis
According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, The American College of Rheumatology has developed two guidelines for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia: having widespread pain for at least 3 months and having 11 out of 18 possible tender points in the body.
Tests
Along with the above mentioned criteria, various tests may be done to help diagnose fibromyalgia. Blood tests like a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and thyroid function tests may be performed to rule out any other diseases that can mimic fibromyalgia (Mayoclinic.com).
Treatment
Treatment of fibromyalgia may include medications like antidepressants to aid with sleep, analgesics to help with pain and stiffness, anti-seizure drugs to relieve pain, physical therapy and counseling (Mayoclinic.com).
