In fibromyalgia, the primary complaint is pain throughout the
body, especially in 18 "tender points”. A sleeping disorder usually is related to this syndrome. While in chronic fatigue
syndrome, it is unrelenting fatigue. Since symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are similar, there is a high
risk of misdiagnosis. This confusion can seriously reduce the quality of life.
Some of the confusion may also be from doctors who fail to even acknowledge the existence of Fibromyalgia and
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and label them as “fad diagnoses” or “wastebasket diagnoses.” To avoid this situation, it is
imperative you look for doctors who can point out your symptoms and are familiar with the 18 tender points.
Initially, the doctor will rule out other medical disorders with related symptoms by conducting a blood test of the patient. This
blood test will show the presence of antipolymer antibodies, which may be found in about half of the people with fibromyalgia
syndrome. Then to confirm the presence of fibromyalgia, further diagnosis is conducted within two criteria:
• Pain in all four quadrants of the body and in the axial skeleton (bones of the head, throat, chest and
spine) that's been present on a more-or-less continuous basis for at least three months.
• At first the doctor will rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, including chronic
infections.
Following these conclusions, the doctor will evaluate the patient on the these points:
Presence of unexplained, persistent fatigue that reduces the previous level of activity.
Four or more of the following symptoms should be constant or recurring during six months of illness and must not have
started before the fatigue: 1) severe headache, 2) there should be, prolonged exhaustion and disability
following physical or mental activity, 3) impaired memory or concentration, 4) pain in the muscles and joints without
redness and swelling, 5) frequent sore throat and 6) disrupted sleep.
After diagnosing both conditions, the doctor will provide you with proper treatment to help relieve the pain and
fatigue. This often involves medication for pain and to induce uninterrupted sleep.
Fact Exercise - Although some degree of
regular exercise is essential for maintaining function, and if done in warm water, it can improve circulation. Yet, exercise
alone will not be enough to treat your fibromyalgia. Many studies on the use of exercise to treat fibromyalgia have been
published over the years, and while the documented benefits are minimal, these studies are heavily promoted at medical
conferences and widely publicized in the medical journals. ~ Fibromyalgia Network
