May is Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month

Have you ever felt sore all over? So tired it’s difficult to move around? Full of tender spots that hurt whenever anything comes in contact with your skin? These are some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition. A person with these symptoms that last longer than several months should see a doctor. It’s not easy to diagnose fibromyalgia; the doctor will do a thorough examination and tests to be sure it’s not another problem.

People with fibromyalgia have a chronic pain problem; pain affects many parts of the body and is worse at some times than others. They may seem to sleep well but don’t wake up rested at all and are often tired. They have many areas that are tender to touch.

Fibromyalgia is more frequent in women and tends to show up in your 30’s and 40’s—but it may affect younger or older people as well. People with rheumatic disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc) and who have the condition in their families are more susceptible.

The good news is the problem won’t get steadily worse or be life-threatening. There are medications that help symptoms. Regular exercise will cause more pain at first but often reduces the symptoms.

Some great information can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079