4. Myth: Fibromyalgia is a middle-aged woman’s disease
Fact: Fibromyalgia affects men, women and children.
To date, a larger percentage of adult women have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia than men or children, however, it does affect all ages and both sexes. In fact, it may turn out that more men and children have FM than previously thought. Doctors are finding that men may have fewer than the traditional 11 tender points, yet still meet all the other criteria for fibromyalgia. Thus, there may be considerably more men with FM than previously thought. And what was once thought to be “growing pains” in children may actually turn out to be a form of fibromyalgia. But because most pediatricians are not very familiar with FM, they are unlikely to diagnose it. Although fibromyalgia will likely continue to be diagnosed more often in women, we may eventually discover it affects significantly more men and children than once thought.
5. Myth: Fibromyalgia is a psychological problem.
Fact: Fibromyalgia is a physical disorder with real, measurable biological abnormalities.
This myth probably causes the most frustration to fibromyalgia patients. After years of being told “It’s all in your head,” patients finally have proof that fibromyalgia is a very real, physical illness. Research studies have revealed a number of biological abnormalities, including:
Decreased blood flow to specific areas of the brain, particularly the thalamus region, which may help explain the pain sensitivity and cognitive functioning problems experienced by fibromyalgia patients.
· High levels of “substance P,” a central nervous system neurotransmitter involved in pain processing.
· Low levels of nerve growth factor.
· Low levels of somatomedin C, a hormone that promotes bone and muscle growth.
· Low levels of several neurochemicals: serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and cortisol.
· Low levels of phosphocreatine and adenosine, muscle-cell chemicals.
Despite the scientific evidence, some medical professionals continue to dismiss fibromyalgia as a psychological problem, insisting that the symptoms are caused by depression. The fact is that the percentage of FM patients who suffer from depression is no higher than for any other chronic illness. Unfortunately, since it takes an average of 17 years for new research to become part of mainstream medicine, we’re probably going to be fighting this myth for several more years.
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