MEDICAL MINUTE^©
from the Texas Back Institute

Fibromyalgia:  Signs and Symptoms and Advice

on Seeking Treatment

Fibromyalgia affects as many as one in 50 Americans. It is considered a syndrome because the medical problems associated with it usually occur together, but aren’t related to a specific cause or causes. Although fibromyalgia is not fatal, it can be debilitating. Some of the signs and symptoms usually associated with fibromyalgia are:

There is no specific cure for fibromyalgia, and it can be difficult to diagnose and treat. “One reason that fibromyalgia is so difficult to diagnosis is because currently, there are no laboratory tests that explain a physiological reason for the pain,” said Jason Marchetti, M.D. for Texas Back Institute. “Because there are no tests for fibromyalgia that are generally accepted across the industry, some doctors might not be able to help their patients.”

However, a doctor familiar with fibromyalgia can make a diagnosis based on two criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR): a history of widespread pain lasting more than three months and the presence of 11 or more tender points.

There are currently no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating fibromyalgia, but doctors may prescribe medications designed for other purposes. Some of these include: Analgesics (ranging from Tylenol to stronger narcotics), Nonsteriodal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen), Antidepressants and CAM therapies (complementary and alternative medicine) such as acupuncture and biofeedback. In addition to or in place of medications, there are things you can do to feel better. A few suggestions are:

• Get enough of the right kind of sleep
• Be as physically active as possible
• Make changes at work based on the severity of symptoms
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Texas Back Institute, Plano, Texas:  As one of the nation's largest spine clinics, the Texas Back Institute is the expert in solutions for back pain. Founded in 1978, the Texas Back Institute has always recommended non-surgical treatments because we know they work best to relieve pain in most patients.   The professional staff includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons with spine fellowship training, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists.   From non-operative spine care to surgery, the Texas Back Institute offers chiropractic care, diagnostic procedures, fitness services, pain management, patient education, physical therapy, research and return-to-work programs including work conditioning and work hardening. To learn more about the Texas Back Institute and to obtain free updates and helpful back tips, go to www.texasback.com or call 1-800-247-BACK.  Texas Back Institute's with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Midland, Plano, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For additional information, visit the Texas Back Institute website at www.texasback.com       

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795 meredith_falke@richards.com

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK