How does fibromyalgia differ from arthritis?
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Celeste Cooper answered:Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects joints.
Fibromyalgia is NOT an inflammatory condition and is a central nervous system disorder that affects muscle, causing pain.
The presence of myofascial trigger points in FM shortens the muscles involved and may lead one to believe they are having joint pain, when in fact it is the dysfunctional muscle that provides locomotion to the joint. (See chapter 2 “Communicating Your Healthcare Needs: Coexisting Conditions, pgs. 75-113.)
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Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects joints. Fibromyalgia is NOT an inflammatory condition and is a central nervous system disorder that affects muscle, causing pain. The presence of myofascial trigger points in FM shortens the... More -
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD answered:The feelings of pain and stiffness in fibromyalgia are very widespread, unlike the usual osteoarthritis, bursitis or tendinitis that is localized to a single area. In fact, if there are not many areas involved, then it does not fit the typical picture of fibromyalgia.
With fibromyalgia, there is no joint swelling, no loss of movement of the joints, and no true muscle weakness as one might experience with other problems. Usually the only abnormal findings are the tender areas over the neck, shoulder blades, lower back, elbows and knees.
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The feelings of pain and stiffness in fibromyalgia are very widespread, unlike the usual osteoarthritis, bursitis or tendinitis that is localized to a single area. In fact, if there are not many areas involved, then it does not fit the typical... More -
Fibromyalgia and arthritis may both be associated with fatigue, pain and tenderness. However, fibromyalgia is not associated with joint inflammation and swelling while arthritis is. People with fibromyalgia are also more likely to complain of total body pain and specific "tender points" than those who have arthritis.
Fibromyalgia and arthritis may both be associated with fatigue, pain and tenderness. However, fibromyalgia is not associated with joint inflammation and swelling while arthritis is. People with fibromyalgia are also more likely to complain... More
