ses in blood flow which in turn lead to changes in muscle metabolism, thus causing the fatigue and decreased strength symptomatic of fibromyalgia. Other researchers believe the disorder may be triggered in some susceptible people by an infection such as a virus but to date The American College of Rheumatology reports that between three [3] million and six [6] million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia and that while it occurs primarily in women of child-bearing age, children, men and the elderly can also be affected.

While widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue are major symptoms of the chronic disorder fibromyalgia, it is also characterized by multiple 'tender points'. The term 'tender points' refers to tenderness which occurs in precise, localized areas of the body – particularly in the spine, the hips, and in the neck and shoulders. Many sufferers also experience significant sleep disturbances and morning stiffness. Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may also be irritable bowel syndrome as well as general anxiety.

There are a number of theories about what causes – or what triggers – fibromyalgia but there is no definitive understanding as yet of the major cause. Some investigators believe that it may be caused by a physical injury or trauma which has some effect on the nervous system. This could be the initiator of decreases in blood flow which in turn lead to changes in muscle metabolism, thus causing the fatigue and decreased strength symptomatic of fibromyalgia. Other researchers believe the disorder may be triggered in some susceptible people by an infection such as a virus but to date n

musculoskeletal pain and fatigue are major symptoms of the chronic disorder fibromyalgia, it is also characterized by multiple 'tender points'. The term 'tender points' refers to tenderness which occurs in precise, localized areas of the body – particularly in the spine, the hips, and in the neck and shoulders. Many sufferers also experience significant sleep disturbances and morning stiffness. Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may also be irritable bowel syndrome as well as general anxiety.

There are a number of theories about what causes – or what triggers – fibromyalgia but there is no definitive understanding as yet of the major cause. Some investigators believe that it may be caused by a physical injury or trauma which has some effect on the nervous system. This could be the initiator of decreases in blood flow which in turn lead to changes in muscle metabolism, thus causing the fatigue and decreased strength symptomatic of fibromyalgia. Other researchers believe the disorder may be triggered in some susceptible people by an infection such as a virus but to date

hips, and in the neck and shoulders. Many sufferers also experience significant sleep disturbances and morning stiffness. Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may also be irritable bowel syndrome as well as general anxiety.

There are a number of theories about what causes – or what triggers – fibromyalgia but there is no definitive understanding as yet of the major cause. Some investigators believe that it may be caused by a physical injury or trauma which has some effect on the nervous system. This could be the initiator of decreases in blood flow which in turn lead to changes in muscle metabolism, thus causing the fatigue and decreased strength symptomatic of fibromyalgia. Other researchers believe the disorder may be triggered in some susceptible people by an infection such as a virus but to date

what causes – or what triggers – fibromyalgia but there is no definitive understanding as yet of the major cause. Some investigators believe that it may be caused by a physical injury or trauma which has some effect on the nervous system. This could be the initiator of decreases in blood flow which in turn lead to changes in muscle metabolism, thus causing the fatigue and decreased strength symptomatic of fibromyalgia. Other researchers believe the disorder may be triggered in some susceptible people by an infection such as a virus but to date ses in blood flow which in turn lead to changes in muscle metabolism, thus causing the fatigue and decreased strength symptomatic of fibromyalgia. Other researchers believe the disorder may be triggered in some susceptible people by an infection such as a virus but to date no such infectious agent has been identified.

Because many of the symptoms are similar to, or even identical with, some symptoms of other disorders, fibromyalgia proves difficult to diagnose. Often a doctor may have to monitor the patient’s medical history for some time and then may be in a position to make a diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on a history of persistent widespread pain over a period of at least three months.

A set of criteria to assist physicians with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia has been developed by the American College of Rheumatology. These criteria advise that a patient is considered to be suffering with fibromyalgia if they have 'persistent widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites'.