What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic non-inflammatory disorder characterized by pain in muscles and surrounding structures when certain tender points are pressed. The diagnostic criteria adopted by the American Academy of Rheumatology involves tender points that occur in precise, localized areas, including the neck, spine, shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips. Accompanying the pain can be other problems including fatigue, widespread body aches, dysfunctional sleep, morning stiffness, and other symptoms (See other symptoms that may accompany FM). Although it is not a life threatening or progressive illness, the symptoms can ease off and intensify without warning.
(See diagnostic criteria).

Fibromyalgia History

Symptoms of what we know as fibromyalgia today were first described in the 1700's. The disorder its self was first observed and documented by a British surgeon William Balfour in 1816. In 1904, another British doctor by the name of Sir William Gowers recognized the same collection of symptoms and described this chronic soft tissue syndrome as fibromyocitis.

Finally, in 1981 a connection was made between fibromyocitis and non-inflammatory systemic symptoms and led to the description of the syndrome formerly described as, fibromyocitis, muscular rheumatism, tension myalgia, psychogenic rheumatism, tension rheumatism, neurasthenia, and fibrocitis. Today it is called fibromyalgia.

Twenty years ago, fibromyalgia in its pure definition was unrecognized, but the continued symptoms of diffuse muscle pain and fatigue described by people with fibromyalgia (FM) led patients on a quest for help. Today, though still lacking in acknowledgment by some, it can no longer be denied and history has changed the course of the future for those of us who live with the symptoms of this disabling disorder.

The predisposition to fibromyalgia (FM) seems to come from multiple sources. Often identified as triggers are virus, trauma (accidental or surgical), chemical exposure, abuse (emotional or physical), genetics, and/or a prior debilitating illness.