Allegheny Physical Medicine, P.C.
Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a form of muscular rheumatism characterized by tenderness, soreness, pain and muscle spasms. "Fibro" means fiber, "my" means muscle; and "algia" means pain. Put them all together and they mean pain in the nonskeletal part of the muscleskeletal system - the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Fibromyalgia is a common and disabling disorder affecting 2 - 4% of the population, women more than men.

Patients usually ache all over, sleep poorly, stiff on wkening, and tired all day. They are prone to headaches, concentration problems, numbness and tingling, pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, chest pain, and intolerance to cold or damp weather.

These symptoms can be controlled.

Research and experinece have found that spinal manipulation, trigger point therapy, exercise, nutritional and supplemental enhancement, poatural changes, physical therapy and stress management can improve symptoms.