Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatologic disorder following osteoarthritis. It is the number one cause of severe, generalized, musculoskeletal pain even when back pain is included on the list. In the U.S. general population about 2.5% of all adults (3.5% of women, 0.5% of men) have fibromyalgia. This translates into approximately 5-8 million Americans who suffer with this condition.
Women are generally affected by this disorder 8-10 times more commonly than men. Children can also suffer from fibromyalgia, however, in this age group, boys and girls are equally affected.
1,2,3,4 Although awareness is increasing, it takes the FM patient an average of five years to receive a proper diagnosis.
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Patients often drift from doctor to doctor incurring great expense and feelings of fear, frustration, and isolation from the community support that they so desperately need.
6 Once the diagnosis is established, many physicians and patients remain starved for information and are discouraged by the lack of effective therapy. There is no known cause or cure for FM; however, new research and multidisciplinary treatments are rapidly evolving. It is crucial that this knowledge be made available to both patients and health care professionals.
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Demographics
• 90% women
• 69% 22-55 years old
• 60% college educated
• 52% average income of over $40,000/year
Common Symptoms
• 100% Muscular Pain
• 96% Fatigue
• 86% Insomnia
• 72% Joint Pain
• 65% Irritable Bowel
• 65% Depression
• 60% Headaches
• 56% Restless Legs
• 52% Numbness and Tingling
• 46% Impaired Memory
• 42% Leg Cramps
• 41% Impaired Concentration
• 37% Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
• 32% Nervousness
• 31% Thyroid Disorders
Concerns
• 85% have applied for Social Security Benefits
• 74% are unable to work full time due to pain
• 84% have used alternative remedies
• 67% are concerned about weight gain
Source: National Fibromyalgia Research Association and FM Patient Polls.
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