Fibromyalgia is also called fibrositis. It is chronic widespread pain in muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints throughout the body, accompanied by fatigue. It can affect the neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms and legs. The pain may be worse in the morning and evening, or sometimes the pain may last all day long. The pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety and stress. The disease is fairly common, affecting approximately 2 percent of the population. The condition is most common in middle-aged women, but children can also have the condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in a Child?
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but researchers believe it may be linked to sleep problems and stress. It may also be linked to immune, endocrine or biochemical problems.
Chronic pain is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia, but each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. The pain most often affects the muscles and the points where muscles attach to bones (ligaments and tendons).
While the pain may begin in one part of the body, over time the whole body may be affected. The pain ranges from mild to severe. It may feel like burning, soreness, stiffness, aching or a gnawing pain. There may be sore spots in certain parts of the muscles. It may feel similar to arthritis.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia may seem like other health conditions. In addition to pain, other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, problems sleeping at night, depressed mood, anxiety and headaches.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There are no tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is based on your child’s symptoms and a medical exam. Tests including blood tests and x-rays may also be done to rule out other causes of your child’s symptoms.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but with proper treatment, the symptoms can be managed. Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and help your child sleep
- Other pain medications
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Relaxation methods
- Heat treatments and occasional cold applications
- Massage
- Anti-depressant medication to improve sleep and mood
To learn more about fibromyalgia, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Doctors Best Wellness Center is located in Weston, Florida, serving residents of Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Pembroke Pines and surrounding areas in Florida.
Follow us