31018 Fibromyalgia

Course overview

Discussion of fibromyalgia including the worldwide prevalence, symptoms and triggers, how it is diagnosed, the importance of sleep and water intake for people with it, and theories about its cause. Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder which affects approximately three to five percent of the world’s population. Individuals with fibromyalgia often suffer from pain, digestive problems, disability, depression, and a lower quality of life, and they are also at an increased risk for death by suicide or other injuries. Individuals with fibromyalgia are twice as likely to be hospitalized as someone without fibromyalgia, and women with fibromyalgia may have 40 percent less physical function and a 67 percent decrease in mental health than those without fibromyalgia. It is estimated that fibromyalgia costs the U.S. between $12-14 billion each year, and accounts for a loss of one to two percent of the nation’s overall productivity. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, the symptoms can be managed with both non-drug and medication based treatments, as well as ensuring that proper self-care is followed. This program discusses fibromyalgia, including potential causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and self-care for symptom management.