• Characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in specific joints.
  • Classified as a syndrome because it’s a set of signs and symptoms that occur together with no known cause or identifiable reason.
  • Impairs the joints and the soft tissue and causes chronic pain. No cure.
  • Not a progressive disease.
  • Will not worsen over time.

Symptoms

  • Sensory Sensitivity
  • Sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights, odors, and temperature changes
  • Increased pain chemical in the spine
  • Amplified pain signals
  • Low levels of the chemical which is believed to modulate pain signals
  • Frequent headaches
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Poor attention span, inability to think clearly, possibly related to lack of sleep
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, and alternating constipation and diarrhea
  • Dry eyes and mouth

Diagnosis

  • There is no clear-cut test.
  • No evidence appears on x-rays, lab tests, or in the blood.
  • Typically diagnosis uses the symptoms and exclusion of other medical conditions.

Treatment

  • Education
  • Learn to manage symptoms
  • Medications
  • Exercise
  • Stretching
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Visualization, meditation, etc.
  • Therapy