NEW YORK, March 17 A person with fibromyalgia experiences daily pain all over their body. Even something as simple as a handshake or hug can cause pain. The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA), in collaboration with Pfizer Inc., has developed a video on the "Science of Fibromyalgia" as a resource to help people understand the underlying science behind fibromyalgia, a chronic, widespread pain condition.
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See video from National Fibromyalgia Association and Pfizer Inc. at: http://inr.mediaseed.tv/fibro_37280
For the millions of people with fibromyalgia, understanding the possible causes for the condition can help provide new hope and ways of working with their doctors to better manage the pain that can impact their lives.
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Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic, widespread pain conditions in the U.S., affecting more than five million Americans, predominantly women (women account for 80 to 90 percent of those diagnosed). It is characterized by chronic widespread muscle pain and is usually accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and morning stiffness. Although the cause of fibromyalgia is still not fully known, major advances in fibromyalgia research have shown that changes in the central nervous system may contribute to the chronic pain of this condition.
Fibromyalgia can have debilitating effects on patients' lives, impacting their ability to work and engage in everyday activities. Research has shown that getting a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, along with education about the condition, is an essential first step in better managing the symptoms of the condition. Following a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, it's important for patients to work in partnership with their healthcare professionals to manage the condition through individualized therapeutic strategies, which may include lifestyle modifications (such as exercise and relaxation techniques), behavioral support and medication.
In the last few years, three treatments have been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration specifically for the management of fibromyalgia. Managing the pain caused by fibromyalgia is an important step for people to take control and reclaim their lives.
If you think you may have fibromyalgia, you should talk to your healthcare provider. For additional information, please visit fibrocenter.com or the National Fibromyalgia Association's web site: FMaware.org.
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SOURCE Medialink; Pfizer Inc.; National Fibromyalgia Association
