Fibromyalgia Research Paper

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)

Introduction

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a rheumatoid disorder characterized by widespread pain that may fluctuate in intensity and body location. Other accompanied symptoms include fatigue and memory issues. The causes of this disease are unclear, resulting in unclear methods of treatment (Binkiewicz-Glinska et al., 2015). The most common symptoms reported by patients diagnosed with FMS include fatigue due to sleep disruption by pain, depression, migraines, constant dull aches that last at least three months, as well as “fibro fog” which is an impairment in the patient’s ability to concentrate on mental tasks (Mayo Clinic, 2015).

Classification

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is considered a part of the group known as rheumatoid diseases. FMS is commonly incorrectly considered a form of arthritis. FMS does not cause inflammation to joints or muscles. However, like arthritis, it can cause significant pain and fatigue that can disrupt a person’s ability to carry on day to day activities (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [NIAMS], 2014).

Demographics

Scientists believe that fibromyalgia affects five million Americans older than 17; with women being 80-90% of

Patient results after acupuncture therapy sessions reported a reduction in morning stiffness as well as an increased pain threshold and improve sleep (Berman, Ezzo, Hadhazy, & Swyers, 1999). The most common method involves inserting fine needles into the skin at specific anatomic sites to stimulate the natural self-healing process. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that when the flow of energy in the body, “qi”, is blocked, the disruption can lead to pain or illness. Acupuncture is said to release blocked qi in the body, evoking the body’s natural healing response (UC San Diego,