Fibromyalgia, also called fibrositis, is a chronic medical condition in which the body's muscles and connective tissues respond with pain when subject to the pressure of even the lightest touch.
Women are more than nine times more likely than men to experience this condition and the illness most often strikes between the ages of 30 and 60.
Fibromyalgia, considered a condition related to arthritis and rheumatism, usually has a combination of symptoms beyond painful muscles.
These include fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia, numbness and tingling in the limbs, overall achiness and stiffness, hypersensitivity to cold and heat, extreme tenderness at various points on the body, and disturbances in bowel and bladder function.
Although there is no one test to determine if a patient has the syndrome, a complete medical examination by a physician, including tests such as a blood count and thyroid exam, can help rule out other causes.
Unfortunately, there is no cure, but certain treatment methods have proven very effective in helping to either ease or eliminate pain and other symptoms.
Prescription medications to treat nerve pain and depression are among the most common treatments for fibromyalgia.
Regular therapeutic massage to help stimulate blood circulation and relax the muscles is also a helpful alternative treatment for those experiencing the pain and tenderness associated with the illness.
Because stress can worsen the symptoms, treatments targeted at stress reduction, such as low impact aerobic exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, hypnosis, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments are all helpful in addressing the painful symptoms.
Relaxation exercises prior to sleep are also an effective part of a treatment regimen for fibromyalgia to help the patient enjoy a restful night's rest.