Hardaway IndiaMs. OlsenAnatomy and PhysiologyMay 20, 2014FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia is a syndrome in which a person experiences long-term body pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. This is a disorder that can also cause muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia have “hot spots” in the body. Hot spots are places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms and legs. These points will start to hurt when pressure is applied to them. No one knows the exact causes of fibromyalgia, and anyone can get it, but it is more common in middle-aged women. Although people with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are particularly susceptible to developing fibromyalgia. There is also no exact cure for fibromyalgia, but medication will help manage the symptoms. Things that can also help manage pain are getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating right. Pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia. It can be mild to severe on these sensitive points of the body. This pain then spreads to other parts of the body. The pain may feel like a deep ache, or a shooting, burning pain. On a positive note, the joints are not affected, but the pain may feel like it is starting. joints. Pain can worsen with certain factors like cold or humid weather, anxiety and stress. Most common factors among fibromyalgia patients are fatigue, depressed mood, and sleep problems. Patients may report that they cannot sleep or quite the opposite of staying asleep, and always having that tired feeling when they wake up. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), problems with memory and concentration, numbness and tingling. hands and feet, reduced...... middle of paper ...... the 2nd most common condition affecting the musculoskeletal system after osteoarthritis (American College of Rheumatology, 2004). Fibromyalgia can often be concurrent (up to 25-65%) with other rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis (CDC, 2009). Approximately 50% of people with fibromyalgia have difficulty or are unable to perform routine daily activities (Health Central, 2009). 30 to 40% of fibromyalgia patients have to stop working or change jobs (Health Central, 2009). People with fibromyalgia are hospitalized approximately once every 3 years (CDC, 2009).Works CitedBoard, ADAM Editorial. “Fibromyalgia”. Fibromyalgia. US National Library of Medicine, February 2, 2012. Web. May 20, 2014. “Fibromyalgia Statistics.” Fibromyalgia statistics. Np, and Web. May 20, 2014. Works Cited