Others believe it may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified. It affects 3 - 6 million people, primarily occurs in women, but children, men and the elderly can also be affected. Although it is chronic, it is not fatal, and remission can occur in some patients after 15 years. It can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, and advanced arthritis. According to experts fibromyalgia can be diagnosed if the patient has widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least 11 0f 18 specific tender point sites.
Blood tests can help with the diagnosis.
Treatment is physical therapy, aerobic exercise, walking, water aerobics, heat and massage. Antidepressants may help elevate mood and improve sleep thus relaxing the muscles. The walking and aerobics seems to be alleviating some of the major aches, the difficulty is sleeping and staying comfortable because most of my problems is my hips and back. I am going to the later because he was very highly recommended. If you have any more questions for this disease I waould be happy to help you get more info.