An examination reveals multiple tender areas on the back of the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hip, shin, elbows, or knees. A dolorimeter, an instrument that distributes pressure over a specific area, is sometimes used to gain data about patients and their individual sites of pain. Other underlying ailments, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, can also be present. New patients should be checked for these underlying conditions as well as fibromyalgia. In mild cases, symptoms may go away when stress is decreased.
Treatment includes patient education, physical therapy, and counseling.
Many fibromyalgia sufferers have found support groups helpful. Studies show that antidepressants, in low doses, can decrease depression , relax craniofacial and skeletal muscles, improve sleep quality, and release painkilling endorphins. Reducing stress and improving coping skills may also help reduce painful symptoms. Improved fitness through exercise is recommended. The best way to begin a fitness program is to start with low impact exercises like walking and swimming.