These doctors are trained to find the various tender points in the body. These are areas of the body where ligaments attach muscles to bones. It is believed that FM may be triggered by various traumas which may awaken a neurological abnormality in the body. Flare-ups can be triggered by many different aggravating conditions. These may include physical stress, cold temperatures or draughty conditions, changes in the weather, and overexertion.
Some patients find that with each flare-up they grow slightly weaker.
Although FM is not life-threatening it can be debilitating. Some patients find that as they grow weaker they must rely on wheelchairs or electric scooters. Treatment at this time focuses on the various symptoms. Most patients take a variety of medications. Physical therapy and massage therapy are often benificial.