Introduction:

Often misdiagnosed, often ignored, but very prevalent is a condition that has, in many respects, baffled almost everyone who delves into its etiology, much less its treatment. Fibromyalgia is one of the most common disorders seen by rheumatologists, because the family and general practitioners generally are puzzled with this disease.

It seems to afflict women by a large majority - at least 19 women for every 1 male - and most often begins in the late third or early fourth decade of life. For many years, it was though to be psychosomatic in origin and patients were sloughed off into the hypochondriac morass where doctors toss those patients for whom they cannot make a clear cause and effect diagnosis. Let me add another fact that might help our evaluation of this condition - fibromyalgia just does not exist in the underdeveloped areas of the globe. To some, this would conflict with making a nutrient deficiency the cause, and not without foundation.

Symptoms: Muscular aches in the hip, neck and back areas with some generalized soreness and stiffness - the aches often move to other areas without pattern, leaving the former area comparatively discomfort free. Pain can be throbbing, shooting or aching. Sleep disturbances are common, with periods of absolute wakefulness during the night - but not totally related to the aching and discomfort. Persistent fatigue is a symptom that may be the result of overwhelming, unending discomfort, not relieved by normal pain relievers. Other symptoms commonly seen are depression, dizziness, lack of coordination, anxiety, memory difficulties and irritability, etc.


KWD