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- $Unique_ID{BRK01404}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Does Fibrositis Syndrome Exist?}
- $Subject{fibrositis muscle pain musculoskeletal system connective tissue
- myofascitis fibromyositis nonarticular rheumatism trigger point syndrome
- myofibrositis tender syndrome interstitial myofascial pain-dysfunction
- fibromyalgia sleep fatigue morning stiffness anxiety headache irritable bowel
- amitriptyline muscles pains headaches ibs}
- $Volume{M-18}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Does Fibrositis Syndrome Exist?
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-
- QUESTION: I have been told for the past three years by different doctors that
- I have syndrome called "Fibrositis". Then other doctors think there is no
- such syndrome. Can you please help me with some information? I am very
- confused about this condition.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: You are not the only one that finds this strange but painful
- syndrome most confusing. There are even 10 other names for the same
- condition, besides "fibrositis". They include; Myofascitis, Fibromyositis,
- Nonarticular rheumatism, Trigger point syndrome, Myofibrositis, Tender Point
- syndrome, Interstitial myofibrositis, Myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome,
- Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain syndrome. And because it has so many
- variables, the diagnosis is often disputed, or worse, ignored. Yet it does
- exist as a syndrome, for which the American College of Rheumatology established
- certain specific criteria. It declared that the pain must be widespread, with
- the pain present for more than three months, and that 11 of 18 defined tender
- points must be painful on examination. The 18 areas range from the back of
- the head, to shoulders, to the upper back and gluteal (backside) areas, elbows
- and knees. Along with these pain symptoms, a number of other symptoms are
- also seen frequently. They include sleep disturbances, fatigue, morning
- stiffness, anxiety, headache, even irritable bowel syndrome, and painful
- menstruation. It is not an uncommon syndrome, but is found in women in about
- 90 percent of the cases. The cause of the problem remains unknown, but
- treatment with medications such as amitriptyline helps in many cases. Here is
- another place where aerobic exercise may reduce the intensity of the symptoms.
- Since any chronic pain can become very difficult to deal with, psychological
- counseling is often considered as part of the treatment plan. While this is a
- difficult syndrome to both evaluate and diagnose, most physicians do agree
- that it exists, even if the information that exists about it is both confusing
- and incomplete at this time.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-