Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, myofibrocytis) is a chronic,
painful muscle condition characterized by pain in the skeletal muscles, tendons
(which attatch muscles to bones), ligaments (which attach bones to bones) and
bursa (sac-like structures which are filled with synovial fluid and provide
lubrication and nutrition to joints). Recently, much has been written about this
disorder in health magazines and newspapers. Although Hippocrates first
described fibromyalgia, it has been only in the last few years that much attention
(and credence) has been given to this syndrome. Controversy and disbelief by the
medical profession has been associated with fibromyalgia simply because
objective evidence in the form of x-rays or biopsies can't be found. However,
with the use of thermography, or the measuring of heat produced by areas of the
body, this syndrome is now more widely accepted by many, but not all, doctors.
SYMPTOMS: Fibromyalgia is characterized by generalized muscle soreness and
stiffness lasting more than three months, poor sleep with morning fatigue and
stiffness, tenderness at 11 of 18 specific sites, and normal blood test results. The
more common painful areas are the low cervical spine, the shoulder, the second
rib, the arm, the buttocks and the knee. These symptoms are often worsened by
stress or a change in the weather. Depression, which may be due to a chemical
imbalance in the brain or the development of chronic pain, is common with
fibromyalgia. Virtually all physical activity not only increases the patient's pain
complaints, but also makes the next few days miserable, producing intense muscle
pain.
Embracing His Presence,Renewing My Strength 