Seems to be a burning question for millions of Americans suffering from this chronic disease. Before you learn the answer to that question, you need to understand what this health disorder is all about.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome Explained

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic achy muscular pain with no obvious physical cause.

The American College of Rheumatology, described two of its main symptoms...

The first -- is the continuous accentuated pain all over the body, lasting more than three months.

The second would be localized and sharp pain in minimum 11 to 18 points anywhere in the body including neck, thigh bone, the second rib, knee joint, muscles connected to the base of the skull, muscles of the neck and upper back, elbow, the muscles of the buttocks and more.

Other reported symptoms include insomnia, chronic fatigue, dry eyes and mouth, constant headaches, tingling sensation in legs, hands and face, strange sensations in the skin, irritable bowel syndrome, memory impairment, stomach ache often combined with either diarrhea or constipation.

Some individuals also experience burning sensation in their muscles. Yet others may complain about blurred vision, pain in the heels and even hearing problems.

Mood swings have also been reported – but this is more as a result of the other symptoms rather than a direct cause of the ailment. It is also possible that you would experience anxiety attacks and pain during intercourse.

Because the immune system is typically compromised, you may also see symptoms of viral and bacterial infections.

Most people suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome are also plague with sleep disorder including apnea, restless leg syndrome, bruxism, and sleep myoclonus.

Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

There is no exact cause that is known to the medical community. Some medical experts point to the malfunction of the central nervous system.

It is also believed that mental stress often coupled with cold and flu attacks might act as a trigger for this disease.
Some studies show that improper blood flow to the brain may also lead to fibromyalgia syndrome in certain cases.

Certain functional impairment such as endocrine system dysfunction, immune deficiencies, and injuries to the spinal chord may play a major role in the development of this disease.

Diagnosis

There are no tests that can be used to diagnose FMS with exact certainty. And -- because of its similarities to other condition, e.g., chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, chemical sensitivities, and chronic myofacial pain, getting a proper fibromyalgia syndrome diagnosis takes a long time to be made

Cure and Prognosis

There is no cure for this the syndrome and its course is unpredictable. Some cases clear up on their own, some become chronic, some go through cycles of alternating flare-ups and remissions, and in majority of cases, people become disabled because their symptoms are severe enough that they interfere their normal daily activities.

Yes!

This is terrible news at the first glance. However, there is a silver lining – most of the symptoms may be relieved with painkillers, muscle relaxants, mild sleeping drugs and antidepressants.

Moderate exercise is typically included in the treatment plan as this would prevent the muscles from cramping and at the same time strengthen them against the pain.