Fibromyalgia

Question 1

What is Fibromyalgia? Period of time that needs to have elapsed?

Answer 1

Chronic condition characterized by widespread pain that affects multiple body regions (right or left side, upper or lower half of the body).

Pain has lasted for > 3 months.

18 tender points (11 of 18 tender points at specific sites of the body)

Question 2

How does this differ from Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Answer 2

• No referred patterns of pain
• No tight band of muscle
• Fatigue and waking unrefreshed

Question 3

Are men or women more affected? How does age affect the prevalence of the disease?

Answer 3

Women

Prevalence increases with age.

Question 4

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia? Location?

Answer 4

• Muscular origin of pain
• Predominantly in the low back, chest, neck, head and scapulae.
• Significant fluctuation in symptoms, cycle of worsening and waning.

Question 5

How/cause of why symptoms develop?

Answer 5

Typically after physical trauma (MVA), or a viral infection.

Question 6

What factors may contribute to a flare of symptoms?

Answer 6

Environmental Stresses: weather changes, cold, rain

Physical Stresses: repetitive activities; prolonged periods of sitting or standing, typing.

Emotion Stresses: Any normal life stresses

Question 7

Management of Fibromyalgia?

Answer 7

• Good and Bad days
• Pacing activities throughout the day
• Low intensity exercise > flexibility training for improving pain and functioning.

Question 8

How many tender points need to be active to be considered fibromyalgia?

Answer 8

11 out of 18

Question 9

Is low intensity exercise or flexibility training more beneficial for improving pain and function?

Answer 9

Low intensity exercise > flexibility training for improving pain and functioning.