What is
Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions that causes widespread pain, tenderness, fatigue, sleep problems, and other health conditions
4 million people
in the US live with fibromyalgia
Women are 2X
more likely to have fibromyalgia than men
Fibromyalgia pain affects every aspect of life
The CDC states that there are about 4 million people in the US (about 2 percent of the adult population) with fibromyalgia compared with about 1-2.5 million people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS).
There is a substantial overlap between Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, especially in demographic and clinical similarities/symptoms.
Our pioneering mission at OMF is to solve under-researched and under-funded chronic complex diseases including ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia (FM) and Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) / chronic / persistent Lyme Disease. Many of these diseases have overlapping symptoms. Breakthroughs in one disease will shed light on the others.
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Fibromyalgia is a multi-system disease
Symptoms
Although chronic, widespread body pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia, a variety of other symptoms are common in FM patients.
Most Common Symptoms
Pain and stiffness all over the body
Fatigue and tiredness
Depression and anxiety
Sleep problems
Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
Headaches, including migraines
Environmental sensitivities
Other Symptoms
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Pain in the face or jaw, including disorders of the jaw known as temporomandibular joint syndrome (also known as TMJ)
Digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Doctors usually diagnose fibromyalgia using the patient’s history, physical examination, X-rays, and blood work.
Diagnosis
There are no diagnostic biomarkers for fibromyalgia and it can typically take five years for a patient to receive an accurate diagnosis.
To aid in the diagnosis, OMF is developing a patient-driven tool named “Personalized Automated Symptom Summary (PASS)” that is intended to aid a clinician to more efficiently define the character and priorities of symptoms for patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS), PTLDS / chronic / persistent Lyme disease, or Fibromyalgia.
The overall strategy is to reduce the time spent by a clinician to evaluate and diagnose a patient with a chronic illness. The intent is to bridge the communication gap between patient and doctor, helping patients to more accurately and efficiently convey their symptoms to their treating physician.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia
Progress
Treatment is typically prescribed by a rheumatologist and focused on the management and relief of symptoms. A multi-disciplinary approach is usually recommended.
Progress in ME / CFS research will help find answers for Fibromyalgia. Therefore, understanding ME / CFS and Fibromyalgia are crucial to improving the lives of millions.
We remain confident that OMF’s open, collaborative and unique approach to research will give more answers for all.
Support OMF
Support Open Medicine Foundation’s quest to find effective treatments and diagnostic tests for the millions of people affected by these devastating diseases!
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
