Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by (1) pain in diverse regions of the body, including neck, back, arms, and legs, (2) sleep problems, including non-refreshing sleep, and awakening more painful than before sleeping, and (3) fatigue. Most patients also have migraine headaches and tingling paresthesias. It is considered to be a disorder of central sensitization, which means the central nervous system becomes sensitized in such a way that stimuli are perceived as painful which would not be painful in a normal person. Fibromyalgia patients have tender spots on their body which are painful to touch. Fibromyalgia seems to be hereditary, and 90% or more of the patients are female.
Useful Fibromyalgia Web Sites
Books
We have looked at these books and recommend them as useful sources of information. Links are included to the Amazon website where they also can often be obtained used at a very nominal price.
- Taking Charge of Fibromyalgia: Everything You Need to Know to Manage Fibromyalgia, Fifth Edition, by Julie W. Kelley and Rosalie Devonshire.
- Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide From Medical Experts and Patients, by Sharon Ostalecki.