Fibromyalgia

What is it?

Fybromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a group of signs and symptoms that involve chronic pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It is one among a collection of chronic disorders that often go hand-in-hand. FMS is frequently seen with chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders, and several other conditions. Fibromyalgia affects about 3 percent of the U.S. population and women account for about 80 percent of those diagnosed. The origin of fibromyalgia is unknown. Recent studies suggest that the pain doesn’t start in the muscles but rather is created from high levels of certain neurotransmitters found in the fluid that flows throughout the brain and spinal column.

What Happens?

It is NOT a viral, bacterial or autoimmune disease. It is rather a complicated combination of related sleep disorders, endocrine and neurotransmitter imbalances, and emotional state.

How is it recognized?

No definitive diagnostic test has been developed for FMS. It is often diagnosed when all others diseases with similar signs and symptoms have been ruled out, including Lyme, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus; just to name a few. The patient must report 11 active tender points, on digital palpation, out of 18 mapped that are found distributed among all quadrants of the body. Fibromyalgia sufferers usually present with “tender points” throughout the body, but the majority of these points cluster around the neck, shoulders and low back.

These tender points are located at:

Occiput (2) - at the sub occipital muscle insertions (near the base of the skull)
Low cervical (2) - at the anterior aspects of the intertransverse spaces at C5-C7 (the lower vertebra of the neck)
Trapezius (2) - at the midpoint of the upper border (the neck, mid back and upper back muscles between the shoulder blades)
Supraspinatus (2) - at origins, above the scapula spine near the medial border
Second rib (2) - the insertion of the second rib
Lateral epicondyle (2) - the side of the elbow
Gluteal (2) - in upper outer quadrants of buttocks in anterior fold of muscle (the upper and outer muscles of the buttocks)
Greater trochanter (2) - posterior to the trochanter (the upper part of the thigh)
Knee (2) - at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line (the middle of the knee joint

Is Massage indicated or contraindicated?

FMS indicates massage. Massage is very effective for clients with this disorder. Research has shown that receiving regular therapeutic massage reduces pain, anxiety and depression and encourages relaxation, which can help restore normal sleep patterns. Care must be taken not to overtreat. Doctors familiar with fibromyalgia do recommend therapeutic massage as part of a overall wellness plan to help combat the symptoms of this chronic illness.

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Fibromyalgia