Fibromyalgia Syndrome
What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain
and fatigue. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscle, ligaments and tendons - the fibrous tissues
in the body. Syndrome means a set of symptoms that occur together. FMS affects 3 to 6 million
Americans, and is more common in women than men. Because the pain and symptoms of FMS are not
visible, it may be under-diagnosed.
Often those who suffer from fibromyalgia describe generalized aching and soreness in many
areas of the body. Certain parts of the body can be more painful and the pain may move around.
The pain can vary from day to day. Many people feel worse in the morning with stiffness.
The pain may be aggravated by various activities, emotional stress, and environmental stress.
Some people may experience only mild discomfort while for others it may be completely disabling.
Physical examination usually shows increased pain sensitivity in various locations.
What is the cause of Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause is currently unkown. The onset of FMS may follow an illness like the flu, a
traumatic incident like an automobile accident or fall, or severe emotional stress. Abnormal
brain chemistry levels may be present in FMS, although the causality of the abnormalities is
not well understood. In addition because of the greater prevalence of FMS in women, the role
of sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, is of considerable interest. However, at
this time, very little is known about how sex hormones may influence pain and other symptoms
of FMS
Other Symptoms
Fatigue is a major problem that can fluctuate in severity just like the pain. Over 90% of people
with FMS complain of pervasive fatigue and decreased endurance for physical activities.
Poor sleep is another common problem reported by many fibromyalgia sufferers.
Other reported symptoms are: morning stiffness, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs,
frequent headaches (migraine and tension-type), irritable bowel syndrome, sensitivity to cold
temperatures, facial pain such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and changes in mood such
as depression and anxiety. Some people also report problems in concentration, memory and
express a sense of "mental fogginess".
How you can help in understanding the factors that may be linked to FMS
Researchers from the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Utah are seeking
individuals who are interested in participating in our study of "Symptom Monitoring and
Sensory Sensitivity" project. The purpose of this research project is to investigate how
sensitivity to pain and symptoms vary across time in women with fibromyalgia. We are
particularly interested in how sex hormones affects sensory and stress experience in people
who have fibromyalgia. The results of this study will help improve our understanding of the
relationship between sensory sensitivity, female hormones, and fibromyalgia. Better understanding
of the underlying causes and conditions may help us develop optimal intervention options for
people suffering from this debilitating pain disorder.
Who is eligible to participate in this study?
Click on one of the following links below to see if you are a candidate to participate in
our study.
For women diagnosed with Fibromyalgia
For pain-free healthy women without
fibromyalgia
Help break the chain on pain!
Fibromyalgia Syndrome Research
Created by Reiko Mitsunaga,
pain.research@hsc.utah.edu
Fibromyalgia Research at
University of Utah Pain Research Center
Last modified on April 4, 2002
URL http://www.painresearch.utah.edu/clinical/fibro.htm