Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological disorder that does not have a cure nor can this complex disease be attributed to a single cause. Symptoms commonly experienced by fibromylgia patients include fatigue and overall body pain. However, there is a wide range of other fibromyalgia symptoms such as urinary problems, gastrointestinal issues, body stiffness, headaches and sleep difficulties. However, the intensity and presence of these symptoms are intermittent and are known to move to various parts of the body. Because of the nature of fibromyalgia symptoms, this disorder is difficult diagnose and is often mistaken for diseases that share similar symptoms. While fibromyalgia is not a life-threatening disorder, it can be debilitating depending on the symptoms' severity. Many fibromyalgia patients report that they are challenged by simple, daily tasks.

Causes

Even though the cause, or causes, of fibromyalgia are unknown, most fibromyalgia patients are women who have a family history of this disorder. It is widely accepted by the medical community that fibromyalgia is a condition that originates in the patient's brain and that there are multiple reasons that can trigger fibromyalgia. Medical professionals are also in overall agreement as to the symptoms of fibromyalgia and how to treat the disorder. Illness, injury, sleep interruptions and stress can trigger fibromyalgia or exacerbate an existing episode.

Diagnosis

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of fibromyalgia for medical professionals is the diagnostic phase. In order to accurately give a patient the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis and other similar diseases have to be ruled out because they mimic many of the symptoms seen in fibromyalgia patients. The American Academy of Rheumatology, or ACR, has an official set of guidelines created in 1990 used to diagnose this disorder. Physicians refer to the ACR fibromyalgia criteria in order to give their patients a correct diagnosis.

Treatments

While fibromyalgia does not have a cure, there are several treatments to decrease the severity of symptoms in patients The two mainstream treatments utilize prescription medication such as anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant medication. Holistic approaches to fibromyalgia include acupuncture and massage therapy. However, many physicians believe that fibromyalgia patients can keep their symptoms under control through simple physical exercises. Even though many newly diagnosed patients find exercising to be a difficult task, they can build their tolerance level by exercising 2-3 minutes at a time and slowly increasing the length of time as exercise becomes easier.