Abstract

TOVAR SANCHEZ, María Ana. Fibromyalgia. Colomb. Med. [online]. 2005, vol.36, n.4, pp.287-291. ISSN 1657-9534.

The fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by widespread muscle pain and the presence of 11 from 18 tender points which are anatomically defined. It affects more women than men, but it can be seen in children. It doesn’t know the exact origin of the fibromyalgia but the studies have showed biochemical (decreased serotonin, increased substance P, oxidative disbalance), metabolic (dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), neuroimmunological (central sensitization), muscle (decreased collagen, increased DNA fragmentation) and genetic (familiar predisposition) alterations. It’s related with other medical conditions like myofascial syndrome, irritable bowel, depression, anxiety, tensional headache, etc. The diagnosis is made with symptoms and signs. The treatment consists of education, aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications (tricyclic antidepressives, analgesics).

Keywords : Pain; Muscles; Tender points; Fibromyalgia.