What is the average duration of Fibromyalgia and its symptoms, and what causes it?

FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons 鈥?the soft fibrous tissues in the body.

Most patients with Fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with this disorder, and it shows up in people of all ages.

The cause of FMS remains elusive, but there are many triggering events thought to precipitate its onset. A few examples would be an infection (viral or bacterial), an automobile accident or the development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism. These triggering events probably don't cause FMS, but rather, they may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that is already present.

Synmptoms can include pain, fatigue, chronic headaches, sleep disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, joint problems, painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffnes, numbness, tingling, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination. People are often sensitive to odors, loud noises, bright lights, and sometimes even the medications that they are prescribed.

Changes in weather, cold or drafty environments, infections, allergies, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion may all contribute to symptom flare-ups.

Long term follow-up studies on fibromyalgia have shown that it is chronic, but the symptoms may come and go. The impact that it has on daily living activities, including the ability to work a full-time job, differs among patients. Overall, studies show that it may be equally as disabling as rheumatoid arthritis.

I have included some websites that should be helpful. Source(s): http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/fibro...

http://fmaware.org/fminfo/brochure.htm...

http://www.fmnetnews.com/pages/basics.ht...

http://fmaware.org/

http://www.myalgia.com/

http://www.ukfibromyalgia.com/

Symptoms include tenderized points of pain such as the neck spine hips. Tingling of the hands and feet. Tiredness and lack of sleep.Depression and stress are factors and sometimes after stress is reduced in your life the symptoms may go away and may not. You are usually put on anti-depressants and are advused to take over the counter pain relievers. Good luck 2 u !
What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissue (including tender points) as well as sleep problems, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. These problems can be severe enough to disrupt a person's work and daily activities. Fortunately, the condition does not permanently damage the muscles, joints, or internal organs.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of chronic pain, not a disease or a psychological disorder.

What causes fibromyalgia?

There are theories as to what may cause fibromyalgia, but at this point there is not enough evidence to support any single cause. Some theories suggest that fibromyalgia may be related to oversensitive nerve cells, an imbalance of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters), or an inability of the brain or spinal cord to dampen pain signals.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Most people with fibromyalgia endure cycles of muscle, soft tissue, and back or neck pain, sleep problems, and often debilitating fatigue. Fibromyalgia is also characterized by the presence of up to 18 specific tender points on the body鈥攖hese are painful only when you press directly on them.

Although less common than pain, fatigue, and sleep problems, a variety of other symptoms may occur as well. These include headaches, morning stiffness, difficulty concentrating, a circulatory problem that affects the small blood vessels of the skin (Raynaud's phenomenon), and irritable bowel syndrome. As with many conditions that cause chronic pain, anxiety and depression are common in people with fibromyalgia and may make symptoms worse.

Symptoms tend to come and go. Periods when they are constant (flares) may be followed by periods when they are absent (remissions). Some people find that cold, damp weather, emotional stress, overexertion, and other factors make their symptoms worse.
http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/fibro...
I am dealing with this every day walking does help just start slow... Stay away from greasy foods also, eat proteins it does help just not cure it... Good Luck May God Bless...
I have fibro, so I can help you. Fibromyalgia is contracted through an injury or accident. Once you are diagnosed with it, you have it forever. There is no cure. Symptoms are....chronic pain, all over and concentrated in the area injured. fatigue, loss of concentration. your internal thermostat is broken, so feeling chilled is common. Insomnia and loss of concentration. Restless leg syndrome, Insomnia. Unfortunately suicide is common because people find it hard to live with. Your diet needs to change. Caffeine and alcohol are contributing factors to "flare ups". Loss of balance is common. the barometric pressure change also brings on flare ups. Painkillers seem to be the only relief. Not being able to get out of bed in the morning is common and rest is a necessary part of the day. There are good days, where the pain and fatigue are'nt so bad, but in my case, I can count those days on one hand for one month.