Fibromyalgia is an illness that approximately 2% of the U.
S.
population suffers with and is unfortunately hard to diagnose because it mimics other diseases.
It also can be confused with other joint and muscular related illnesses as well as present with symptoms that are common to some autoimmune illnesses.
It is considered one of the 'invisible' illnesses and has not come to be recognized until 20 to 30 years ago.
Researches are still not completely sure of what causes its onset nor can they completely determine how to effectively cure the illness.
Many people develop symptoms in varying degrees.
Some people are able to function in their lives to an appropriate degree while others are incapacitated by the associated pain of fibromyalgia.
The illness is generally diagnosed by a physical calculation of general areas of pain in the body, to what extent the pain is felt in specific points of the body and the length of time that a person endures pain in these areas.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, there are two main areas of the body that points to probable presentation of the illness.
Pain must be present for at least 3 months in all areas of the body above the waist, below the waist and to either side of the body.
Also, there are up to 18 pressure points in the body that will respond in pain to moderate pressure.
Some of the tender points include the upper back area, base of the neck, inside the knees and elbows, and front shoulder area.
Everyone who has fibromyalgia will concur that if any of these areas of the body are pressed even with moderate pressure, the area feels sore and uncomfortably tender.
Some interesting points to note about fibromyalgia is the fact that the illness mainly occurs in women who can have children although older women, men and children can present with the illness.
The main symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are pain and muscle/joint sensitivities, but there are also many nonspecific symptoms that can affect certain people.
Some sufferers may have a few or all of the symptoms.
No one experiences the illness exactly the same.
If you suspect that you may have the symptoms of fibromyalgia, be sure to find a doctor that specializes in the illness and understands the symptomology.
Those who live with fibromyalgia endure life changing pain and intense difficulties that require some relief through a variety of medical and alternative health care options.