Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. “Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals (Fibro Facts, n.d.).” The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, however The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institute of Health states: “Many people associate the development of fibromyalgia with a physically or emotionally stressful or traumatic event, such as an automobile accident. Some connect it to repetitive injuries. Others link it to an illness. For others, fibromyalgia seems to occur spontaneously (Fibro Facts, n.d.).” In addition, researchers have examined other causes, such as problems with how the central nervous system processes pain and how a person’s genes may regulate the way his or her body processes pain. There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, however medication and self-management strategies have been found to reduce symptoms in some patients.
Depending on the child’s stage of development, here are some key words you can use when explaining fibromyalgia to children:
• Fibromyalgia (fy-bro-my-AL-ja) is a long word that means a person feels pain in their muscles, joints, and soft tissues. People living with this chronic (long-lasting) disease can get headaches a lot, feel tired, and have trouble sleeping. The pain is widespread, which means a person with fibromyalgia feels pain all over his or her body.
• Muscles – large group of cells that help your body move
• Joints – a place in your body where two bones meet together
• Soft Tissues – connect and support other tissues in your body and surround your organs
• Organs – part of the body, like the heart, lungs, or brain, that helps keep your body working
• Cells – building blocks or the basic components of your body
According to the CDC, a few common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
• Pain and stiffness all over the body
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Depression and anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
• Headaches, including migraines
Fibromyalgia Facts from American College of Rheumatology
• Fibromyalgia affects 2 to 4 percent of people, women more often than men.
• Nearly 4 million adults are affected by fibromyalgia in the United States.
• Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune or inflammation-based illness, but research suggests the nervous system is involved.
• Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed in adulthood, however it can occur in teenagers and the elderly.
• Individuals with a rheumatic disease (health problem that affects the joints, muscles, and bones) are at higher risk for developing fibromyalgia.
Resources
- Websites
• https://ppdassociation.org/
• https://www.theacpa.org/
• https://www.fibromyalgiapatienteducation.info/
• https://www.freddyjsfibrofighters.com/ - Books
• The FibroManual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor by Ginevra Liptan, MD
• Fibromyalgia Freedom! Your Essential Cookbook and Meal Plan to Relieve Pain, Clear Brain Fog, and Fight Fatigue by Kathleen Standafer, MS, RDN
• The Fibro Food Formula: A Real-Life Approach to Fibromyalgia Relief by Ginevra Liptan, MD - Applications
• PainScale – Pain Tracker Diary
• Manage My Pain
• CareClinic: Tracker, Reminder
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Fibromyalgia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/fibromyalgia.htm
Fibromyalgia FAQ’s: Fibro Patient Education & Support. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fibromyalgiapatienteducation.info/fibromyalgia-faq-s
Fibromyalgia | rheumatology – american college of rheumatology (ACR). (2021). Retrieved from https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia