I have been watching the statistics on this blog since I started it, and I could not help but notice that some of the most popular posts pertained to fibromyalgia. So, I thought, why not devote a whole week to the subject? So, without further ado, on this first day of Fibromyalgia Week, I shall begin with an overview.
The American Medical Association gave official recognition to fibromyalgia back in 1987. Before that time, this disorder was considered a "wastebasket" diagnosis, but in more recent years it is being recognized as a true illness.
The characteristic feature of fibromyalgia is chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain, associated wit symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, and other symptoms such as stiffness, headache, and chest pain.
An interesting and unique feature of fibromyalgia is "tender points"--which are specific targeted areas where people with this disorder feel an amplified pain sensation when only slight pressure is applied.
Fibromyalgia is neither degenerative or progressive in nature.
There is no inflammation associated with this disorder.
There is no involvement of the joints in this disorder.
Stay tuned--more about fibromyalgia to come tomorrow!