Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a common condition causing widespread pain, principally in the muscles - in a recent study in the USA it could be diagnosed in 3% of women and 1% of men. It was formerly thought to be a condition of the muscles, but evidence nowadays is that it is much more related to sensitisation of the central nervous system, analogous to the changes in irritable bowel syndrome and other generalised pain conditions. There are close parallels and much in common with other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME).
We have provided links below to some sites with useful information on this condition.
Links
The Arthritis Care information page on Fibromyalgia is recommended.
A very thorough and good patient information page on fibromyalgia is at the American College of Rheumatology site
Excellent information page and downloadable information booklet at Arthritis Research UK
Fibromyalgia Association UK website and information booklet
Pain Service Website, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Webmaster Dr J G de Courcy, Consultant in Pain Medicine and Anaesthesia
email: pain.webmaster[at]glos.nhs.uk