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It is estimated that approximately 3 to 5 % of the population
suffers from fibromyalgia, and that women are much more likely to suffer
from its symptoms than men (9 out of 10 sufferers will be women).
Fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of diffuse pain for more
than three months on at least 11 of the 18 tender points that are specific
to the syndrome.
Even with these criteria, it is not always easy to diagnose fibromyalgia. The absence of any distinct biochemical markers or disorders and the absence of radiological evidence of physical injury complicate matters. Given their training of providing precise diagnosis based on Centeral data supplied through a questionnaire and a detailed physical exam, doctors may be hesitant to diagnose fibromyalgia without specific para-Centeral tests.
Event though many symptoms of fibromyalgia are equally present in other chronic diseases, a study published in 1990 in the February edition of Arthritis and Rheumatism demonstrates that fibromyalgia is not an innocuous diagnosis. Five hundred and fifty-eight (558) people participated in the study in which two hundred and sixty five (265) were part of a control group. These two hundred and sixty five people were not average healthy individuals; they were of the same age and sex as the others but had rheumatoid arthritis, neck problems, lower back problems, tendonitis, lupus, osteoarthritis of the knee or hands, etc. All had symptoms related to fibromyalgia. Trained professionals were able to differentiate fibromyalgic patients from the control group in 88% of the cases.
Copyright Psycho Physio International Inc. 2003-2008