Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons - the soft fibrous tissues in the body. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia but it shows up in people of all ages.

Why does fibromyalgia occur?
Doctors think it may be a defect in the way the nervous system manages and processes pain. This allows stimulus that would ordinarily be non-painful to become a source of pain. Fibromyalgia is usually associated with 11 to 13 out of 18 tender points throughout the body.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Symptoms include:

• Musculoskeletal pain throughout the body
• Sleep problems
• Fatigue

Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they were pulled or overworked. Patients often describe it as feeling like they have the flu.

How can dental treatment help my fibromyalgia?
Dental treatment for tender points in the shoulders, neck and head go a long way in providing relief from this pain, lessening its affects in other areas as well.