Body Pain Often Caused by Fibromyalgia
September 24, 2013
Drugs May Ease the Pain of Fibromyalgia
From VOA Learning English, this is Science in the News. American officials say fibromyalgia syndrome affects up to six million people in the United States each year. In some nations, fibromyalgia is said to affect more than three and a half percent of adult women and one-half percent of adult men. In our show today, Faith Lapidus and Christopher Cruise report on this disabling disease.
Fibromyalgia can have many symptoms, including depression and low energy levels. But pain -- often throughout the body -- is the main problem. Patients often have pain in their muscles and joints. And they always feel tired.
Many people with fibromyalgia have trouble persuading doctors that their pain is real. Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are the same as those of other diseases. As a result, doctors often have trouble recognizing and confirming the presence of the disease.
Treating fibromyalgia can be difficult. Since there is no cure, doctors may experiment with different treatments and medicines. Some drugs work with some patients, but do not work with others. Patients with mild fibromyalgia often do not need any drugs. Their condition can improve with a combination of low-impact exercises, a good diet, getting enough rest and patient education.
Treatment of fibromyalgia patients can be costly and difficult for doctors, because the pain only lessens. It never goes away completely.
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