Fibromyalgia

According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, between 3-6% of the population of the US has Fibromyalgia (FM). FM is characterized by widespread pain, stiffness, fatigue, and sleep problems. More women are affected by this disease than are men. (National Fibromyalgia Association--What is Fibromyalgia)

Until 1990, there were no widely accepted diagnostic criteria for FM—this made it hard for doctors to diagnose the pain syndrome. There is now scientific data proving a genetic link in patients with FM. Have you been diagnosed with FM? Diagnostic Criteria for FM includes chronic widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body and 11/18 tender points (the patient experiences pain with 4kg of pressure). (National Fibromyalgia Association--What is Fibromyalgia)

We have Fibromyalgia Binders with information available for you. Ask any Kentucky Pain Management Services (KPMS) staff member for information.

Have questions about Fibromyalgia and the locations of these “tender points”? Go to the following webpage:
http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fibromyalgia_diagnosed

Bibliography

National Fibromyalgia Association--What is Fibromyalgia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2008, from National Fibromyalgia Association: http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fibromyalgia#whatIs