question about fibro??????

[ellitoid]

So I am wondering if anyone caould explain to me the difference between fibro,myofascial pain, and chronic pain? I have been told that i have chronic myofascial pain, but really what is the difference??

thanks for any help in defining these for me.

sharon

[Linda25]

I can't give you a TOTAL explanation, but here is a partial one

Chronic pain can be from any source: cancer, an accident, a back injury, migraines - it is a SYMPTOM of an illness or accident

Fibro is a disease which is comprised of a number of different symptoms, which usually includes chronic pain that can be variable and can move around the body - for instance, sometimes my back and shoulders are extremely painful and sore, and sometimes they don't hurt at all - for no apparent reason. But fibro also must include additional symptoms to be diagnosed, including: fatigue and the presence of a certain number of "tender points" found on the body - A rheumatologist usually does the diagnosing.

There are other SYMPTOMS which may or may not be present and are not necessary to make a diagnosis of Fibro and these include but are not limited to: Irritable bowel syndrom, dizziness, memory problems (fibro fog), cognitive problems, and others

Myofascial pain is usually just describing pain in a certain area, with the other Fibro symptoms. Some doctors will give this diagnosis in place of fibro because they don't "believe" there is a disease of Fibro, and sometimes it really is a more accurate discription if the symptoms of fatigue and diffuse tender points are not present

hope that helps

The Arthritis foundation has some good, free information about fibro

good luck
Linda25

[Pharmacist.steve]

Basically pain is pain... only the source and intensity varies Often some drugs or therapies will work better toward managing some areas of pains than others. It is unusual for a patient with myofacial trigger point pain to NOT have Fibromyalgia... while having Fibromyalgia WITHOUT Myofacial Trigger Point Paint is more the norm.


Pharmacist Steve
www.chronicpainresourcecenter.com

[Emily1]

Um Steve Id say it is the opposite.

Trigger points are a lot more common then Fibromyalgia. But most Fibromyalgia folks if not all have trigger points as well (besides tender points of course).

But for the best description of all the above you can go to devin starlynls site or check out her books.

http://www.sover.net/~devstar/

Fibromyalgia is the widespread general pain and other symptoms
Chronic myofascial pain is caused by the knots or spasms in your muscles. Often you are not even aware of them until you get a massage or one really starts acting up. They can be worked on and released through massage or accupuncture.
Chronic pain is often used as a description for pain that stays in one area such as the low back.