Is It Just Pain...or Is It Fibromyalgia?

Main Category: Fibromyalgia
Article Date: 18 Feb 2009 - 7:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Months of constant pain, restless sleep and being drained of energy will make anyone seek help. Yet after the doctor has prescribed three different treatment regimens, the pain remains, the sleep is still restless and the body still lacks the proper energy to function. The patient becomes discouraged, as each attempt at healing the problem proves fruitless.

Because its symptoms are quite common and laboratory tests are generally normal, people with fibromyalgia were once told that their condition was 'all in their head,' the Arthritis Foundation says on its website. However, medical studies have proven that fibromyalgia does indeed exist, and it is estimated to affect about 2% of the U.S. population today. Research is being done to identify the causes of fibromyalgia, as well as treatments and a cure. Because the syndrome varies in each patient, an individualized health plan is the best option. These include (but are not limited to) prescription medications, herbal supplements, massage, exercise, healthy eating and physical therapy.

In the accompanying video, Dr. David Ferrera offers details on a new study called the Engage Fibromyalgia Study currently underway that may help Fibromyalgia patients find a treatment option for their condition.

You can view the video here.

Engage Fibromyalgia Study