Fibromyalgia
Myths
Myth: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is all in my head.
Fact: FMS is a complex syndrome with symptoms including chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain with multiple tender points, fatigue and poor sleep.
Myth: I could die from FMS.
Fact: FMS is not life-threatening.
Myth: FMS is a new and rare condition.
Fact: The FMS has been present for hundreds of years. It has been called many different names in the past. Some of the older names include fibrositis, fibromyositis, tension myalgia, muscular rheumatism and psychogenic rheumatism. Because of the confusing and misleading nature of these terms, the name fibromyalgia was coined in the mid-1980s to reflect the true nature of the syndrome, which involves pain in the muscles and soft connective tissue. FMS affects 3.7 to 6 million people in the United States, which is about 2% of the population.
Myth: FMS will cause serious damage to my body.
Fact: FMS does not appear to cause progressive deterioration or damage to the body. Many people report that their symptoms have progressed over time. What many people are experiencing is a decline in their level of functioning. This is a common occurrence that usually can be reversed. When you are in pain or fatigued, it is common to decrease your activity level – this decreased activity leads to deconditioned muscles. Simple tasks, such as sweeping or washing dishes, can seem monumental when you are deconditioned.
Myth: Only women suffer from FMS.
Fact: According to research, women are 10 times more likely to have FMS, but men do suffer from the syndrome as well.
Myth: FMS is seen only in older adults.
Fact: FMS is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50, but it is seen in people of all ages, including children.
Fact: FMS is a complex syndrome with symptoms including chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain with multiple tender points, fatigue and poor sleep.
Myth: I could die from FMS.
Fact: FMS is not life-threatening.
Myth: FMS is a new and rare condition.
Fact: The FMS has been present for hundreds of years. It has been called many different names in the past. Some of the older names include fibrositis, fibromyositis, tension myalgia, muscular rheumatism and psychogenic rheumatism. Because of the confusing and misleading nature of these terms, the name fibromyalgia was coined in the mid-1980s to reflect the true nature of the syndrome, which involves pain in the muscles and soft connective tissue. FMS affects 3.7 to 6 million people in the United States, which is about 2% of the population.
Myth: FMS will cause serious damage to my body.
Fact: FMS does not appear to cause progressive deterioration or damage to the body. Many people report that their symptoms have progressed over time. What many people are experiencing is a decline in their level of functioning. This is a common occurrence that usually can be reversed. When you are in pain or fatigued, it is common to decrease your activity level – this decreased activity leads to deconditioned muscles. Simple tasks, such as sweeping or washing dishes, can seem monumental when you are deconditioned.
Myth: Only women suffer from FMS.
Fact: According to research, women are 10 times more likely to have FMS, but men do suffer from the syndrome as well.
Myth: FMS is seen only in older adults.
Fact: FMS is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50, but it is seen in people of all ages, including children.