Hardaway IndiaMs. OlsenAnatomy and PhysiologyMay 20, 2014FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia is a syndrome in which a person experiences long-term body pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. This is a disorder that can also cause muscle pain and fatigue. Those with fibromyalgia have "tender spots" in the body. Sore spots are spots on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms and legs. These points will start to hurt when pressure is applied to them. No one knows the exact causes of fibromyalgia and anyone can get it, but it is more common in middle-aged women. Although people with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop fibromyalgia. Also, there is no exact cure for fibromyalgia, but medicine will help manage the symptoms. Other things that can help manage pain are getting enough sleep, exercise, and eating well. Pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia. It can be mild to severe on these delicate points of the body. This pain will then spread to other parts of the body. The pain may feel like a deep ache or a stabbing, burning pain. On a positive note, though, the joints are not affected, but the pain may feel as if it is starting in the joints. The pain can worsen with certain factors such as cold or humid weather, anxiety and stress. Many of the most common factors of fibromyalgia patients are fatigue, depressed mood and sleep problems. Patients might say they can't sleep or the exact opposite of staying asleep, and still have that tired feeling when they wake up. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), memory and concentration problems, numbness and tingling. reduced hands and feet… half of the paper… the second most common disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system after osteoarthritis (American College of Rheumatology, 2004). Fibromyalgia can often coexist (up to 25-65%) with other rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis (CDC, 2009). Approximately 50% of people with fibromyalgia have difficulty with or are unable to carry out routine daily activities (Health Central, 2009).30 a 40% of fibromyalgia patients have to stop working or change jobs (Health Central , 2009). People with fibromyalgia are hospitalized approximately once every 3 years (CDC, 2009). Works CitedBoard, ADAM Editorial. "Fibromyalgia". Fibromyalgia. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2, 2012. Web. May 20, 2014. “Fibromyalgia Statistics.” Fibromyalgia statistics. Np, nd Web. May 20, 2014. Works Cited