Fibromyalgia

Team members: Diana Baylis and Erica Olson

Patterns and Trends
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It can also cause overtiredness and multiple oversensitive areas, especially when slight pressure is applied and it causes pain. Fibromyalgia has also been referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome, fibromyositis, and fibrositis (National Fibromyalgia Association, 2009).
Currently there are no tests that can diagnosis fibromyalgia. Patients who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia must have continuous widespread pain for three months or longer, and they must exhibit pain in 11 out of the 18 tender points when pressure is applied (National Fibromyalgia Association, 2009). According to the CDC (2009), other symptoms include, morning stiffness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet ,headaches, including migraines ,irritable bowel syndrome, problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called "fibro fog"),painful menstrual periods and other pain syndromes.


Tender_points.jpg

Information Source [Mayo Clinic, 2010]

Women are more prevalent than men to be affected by this condition, but men and children can also be affected by this condition. It is estimated that approximately 10 million people in the United States are affected by this condition, and it is estimated that between 3 – 6% of the world population is affected as well (National Fibromyalgia Association, 2009).


Risk Factors

There are underlying risk factors that can cause an individual to suffer from this condition.
· Emotional or Physical Trauma- car accidents, being deployed to war, injuries to the body with repetitive motions, and infections or illnesses (Florida Department of Health, 2009).
· Genetics
· Age
· Gender
· Rheumatic Disorders
Information Source [Mayo Clinic, April 2010]


Preventative Strategies and Efforts
· Pain Management
· Sleep Management
· Psychological Support
· Alternative Treatments: Acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic treatments.
Information source [National Fibromyalgia Association, 2009]


Public Health Interventions

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009, October). Fibromyalgia. Retrieved on June 15, 2010 from http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm.

Florida Department of Health. (2009). Your Health: Fibromyalgia. Retrieved on June 15, 2010 from
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Family/wh/lifespan/Middleage/fibromyalgia.html
.

Mayo Clinic (2010, April). Fibromyalgia. Retrieved on June 15, 2010 from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079.

National Fibromyalgia Association. (2009). Fibromyalgia. Retrieved on June 15, 2010 from http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fibromyalgia .