What is fibromyalgia?

When you ask, what's fibromyalgia?, a lot of people will explain it's a way of arthritis. This really is one of several many myths that seem to surround fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is in fact quite different from arthritis. One of several main characteristics of arthritis is inflammation on the joints. Fibromyalgia does sometimes cause pain while in the joints but that's since it affects the tendons which are that come with joints and muscles.

fibromyalgia treatment

Certainly some symptoms are similar. For example chronic pain, fatigue or exhaustion, brain fog (also called fibro fog), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), sleep disorders and aching tender points in conjunction with depression are all in the fibromyalgia symptom list. The pain and aching, which could affect sleep and as a consequence make a person depressed, well they may also be the effect of arthritis.

The historical past of Fibromyalgia



Fibromyalgia was first regarded as rheumatism or muscular rheumatism. Then in 1904 the term fibrositis was coined by Gowers. It remained this way until 1976 when it was changed to fibromyalgia. The 1st real study was published almost 30 years ago, and yes it was at that time that tender points were introduced, together with known fibromyalgia symptoms. That is when people did start to see what exactly is fibromyalgia. Then in 1987 the American Medical Association recognised fibromyalgia as an illness along with a reason behind disability, later called fibromyalgia syndrome.



Since that time theories have abounded on the causes fibromyalgia, a lot of which can be discussed on this internet site.

Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia



It is the fibrositis led to many individuals if it is linked to arthritis. But arthritis is a degenerative disorder in which the joints are severely damaged after some time. Especially, osteoarthritis is linked to aging or to an injury. With time the cartilage wears away, as well as that is natures shock absorber, this leads to the joint to rub causing pain. But it is not fibromyalgia since there is no wearing away of cartilage in fibromyalgia.

Rheumatoid arthritis and Fibromyalgia



Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the joint causing inflammation soreness and heat. The inflammatory causes chemicals that will make you feel really ill. This really is much like fibromyalgia but needless to say, there is no trace of any problem with fibromyalgia.



There are lots of different types of arthritis, about 200 in fact. This can be why it is easily mixed up with fibromyalgia. Because there are different treatments for arthritis, for different individuals, and each one is different so there is an element of trial and error. It is why people get the two mixed up when considering what exactly is fibromyalgia. The same is true of fibromyalgia.



Treatments for fibromyalgia can include lyrica and other drug medication. However, alternative fibromyalgia treatments are popular, with people taking herb supplement. Also patients can benefit from a fibromyalgia diet, which have to be tailored to the individual. In fact treatment for fibromyalgia needs to be tailored to the patient in most respects.

What is fibromyalgia