Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
Fibromyalgia is commonly thought of as a condition that affects adults. However, fibromyalgia also occurs in children and adolescents. Estimates suggest that juvenile-onset fibromyalgia affects 2 to 6 percent of school children, mostly adolescent girls. It is most commonly diagnosed between ages 13 and 15.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.
In children with fibromyalgia, symptoms include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Doctors don't know what causes fibromyalgia, but it most likely involves a variety of factors working together. These may include:
Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain's pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The diagnosis of juvenile fibromyalgia is made clinically and is based on a history of chronic, generalized pain and associated features (fatigue, sleep disturbances, headache and depression), a physical examination that demonstrates the presence of tender points and excludes other diagnoses, and negative or normal laboratory tests.
Although the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia weren't written specifically for children, they are sometimes used for children and adolescents.
The Yunus and Masi criteria, on the other hand, are specifically for juvenile fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is based on the presence of all of the major criteria plus three of the 10 minor criteria:
While there is no lab test to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, your doctor may want to rule out other conditions, such as juvenile arthritis, that may have similar symptoms. Blood tests may include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The pain and lack of sleep associated with fibromyalgia can interfere with the ability to function at school or at home. The frustration of dealing with an often-misunderstood condition also can result in depression and anxiety.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Complementary and alternative therapies for pain and stress management aren't new. Some, such as meditation and yoga, have been practiced for thousands of years. Indeed, today some alternative therapies have gained acceptance in mainstream medicine.
The following practices appear to safely relieve stress and reduce pain, thereby helping people with fibromyalgia manage their symptoms:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Risk factors for fibromyalgia include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
We respect your privacy and aim for the best website experience in compliance with local laws. Allowing cookies enables a tailored experience, while disabling them may reduce personalization. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.