Pain all over. Irritable bowel syndrome. Memory problems. What is going on here? For starters, it could be fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain in the upper and lower body lasting more than three months. It affects about 5 million Americans over age 18, most of them women. Fortunately, doctors now have a standardized way to diagnose fibromyalgia.
Along with chronic pain and tenderness, other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
Out of sync
Research suggests that certain genes might make some people more susceptible to fibromyalgia than others. Most people with fibromyalgia can point to a specific incident or condition that triggered their pain, such as trauma sustained in a car accident or the onset of arthritis. Scientists think these events can change the way the body interacts with the spinal cord and brain, affecting the pain-processing areas.
Making a match
Although much still needs to be learned about this disease, there are established standards that can help doctors diagnose fibromyalgia and offer those who have it the relief they need.
The pain associated with fibromyalgia isn’t caused by inflammation, so there isn’t one definitive test, such as an MRI, X-ray or blood test that will point to it. Before settling on a fibromyalgia diagnosis, doctors often run many tests to rule out other possible conditions. Many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia can mimic symptoms of other diseases, such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Blood tests can help doctors pinpoint a diagnosis.
If fibromyalgia is suspected, the American College of Rheumatologists (ACR) has developed criteria that can help physicians diagnose it. The ACR standards designate 18 points on the body where many people with fibromyalgia feel pain, including the neck, shoulders, hips, elbows, knees and others. Of course, people who have fibromyalgia may have other painful areas, but those 18 sites are used for the ACR fibromyalgia classification.
Your next step
Getting a diagnosis doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck. While it can be tricky to diagnose fibromyalgia, your physician can help. Call today to make an appointment.
Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.
Sources: NIAMS.NIH.gov, NLM.NIH.gov, Rheumatology.org
