A Medical Definition of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects between 3 and 10% of the world’s population, most of whom are female. It is most commonly found in people between the ages of 20 and 50.

Also known as Fibromyositis, Fibromyalgia is part of a group of common rheumatoid disorders, those not involving the joints. It is characterized by stiffness in muscles, achey pain and muscle tenderness.

The painful condition of the muscles can occur as a result of stress, muscle injury, or quite simply, muscle overuse. Tender areas in the muscles are commonly called “knots” in layman terms, but in medical terminology, they are officially called “tender points” that create muscle spasm as well as tightness.

Fibromyalgia is not at all contagious, and recent studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed. It is also found that Fibromyalgia affects more women than men, with a ratio globally of 3-5:1.

Estimates now put between 3 to 6 percent of the population in the United States ALONE as having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

A related condition that can be present with Fibromyalgia, is Myofascial Pain Syndrome or “MPS”. This condition is also characterized by painful muscles; however people with MPS have trigger points, not tender points. Trigger points are places anywhere on the body that when pressed, will cause pain to radiate in repeatable ways, possibly to entire different parts on the body.MPS sometimes follows injuries, overuse injuries like Repetitive Strain Syndrome, and muscle trauma.

MPS can sometimes spread, and a condition that is originally localized can eventually become quite generalized if left untreated.

Initially MPS and Fibromyalgia were thought to be the same; however, it is increasingly clear that they are not. Confusion arises simply because they are often present together.