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Fibromyalgia

• More information on fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia (feye-broh-meye-AL-juh) have two main symptoms:

• Pain felt all over the body
• Tenderness or pain in at least 11 of 18 "tender points," specific spots on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs.

If you have fibromyalgia, even a small amount of pressure on these points can be very painful. Pain, plus other symptoms, such as fatigue and trouble sleeping, can make going to work, caring for others, or keeping up with household chores very hard. Treatment, self-care, and support can help people with fibromyalgia.

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More information on fibromyalgia

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet — This fact sheet gives general information on fibromyalgia. It describes the types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. It explains the difference between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and also includes resources that offer additional information.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/fibromyalgia.cfm

Explore other publications and websites

• Employees With Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Copyright © Job Accommodation Network) — This publication for employers provides basic information on fibromyalgia and suggests workplace accommodations that can be made for employees with fibromyalgia. Example accommodations and a list of resources also are provided.
  http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/Fibro.html
• Fibromyalgia — This publication provides detailed information on fibromyalgia, possible causes, and available treatment options.
  http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia_ff.asp
• Fibromyalgia (Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians) — This publication describes the symptoms of fibromyalgia and suggests medicines and alternative therapies to relieve symptoms.
  http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/bone/070.html
• Fibromyalgia and Exercise (Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians) — This publication discusses fibromyalgia, what it is, and and how exercise can help to relieve symptoms.
  http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/bone/061.html
• Fibromyalgia Pain: Create a Plan for Coping (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — Creating a plan for coping with the pain of fibromyalgia can help you and your family have more good days and fewer bad ones. This fact sheet has advice on how to create a strategy for coping with the pain while you’re feeling good, so you can concentrate on feeling better when the pain flares.
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/fibromyalgia-pain/AR00055/METHOD=print
• Fibromyalgia Symptoms or Not? Understand the Fibromyalgia Diagnosis Process (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — Diagnosing fibromyalgia is not always an easy, simple process. This fact sheet will help you determine if the symptoms you are experiencing might be fibromyalgia.
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/fibromyalgia-symptoms/AR00054/METHOD=print

Connect with other organizations

• American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
  http://www.aarda.org/
• American Chronic Pain Association
  http://www.theacpa.org/
• American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association, Inc.
  http://www.afsafund.org/
• Chronic Pain Research Alliance
  http://www.overlappingconditions.org/
• Fibromyalgia Network
  http://www.fmnetnews.com/
• National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc.
  http://www.fmpartnership.org
• National Fibromyalgia Research Association
  http://www.nfra.net/
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, HHS
  http://www.niams.nih.gov/
• National Pain Foundation
  http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/

Content last updated September 22, 2009.

Resources last updated September 22, 2009.

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