Fibromyalgia Facts: Fibromyalgia is
A Common Disorder affecting approximately 10 million Americans and many
millions more around the world.
Costly. FM researchers estimate that productivity losses to the US economy
due to FM patients not being able to work are from $12-15 billion dollars a
year.
Found in Both Men and Women. While more women than men have FM some FM
specialists believe as many as forty percent of FM patients are male.
Greatly Under Diagnosed. Dr.Clauw, a noted FM researcher and physician,
believes that gender bias within the medical community often leads men with
FM to be misdiagnosed with other disorders such as osteoarthritis.
Greatly Misunderstood even within the medical community. Despite an
extensive body of research FM is still given little attention in many
medical schools. Many primary care physicians and rheumatologists have
little understanding of the disorder.
Treatable. Knowledgeable physicians use a wide variety of protocols to
relieve FM symptoms including prescription drugs, targeted exercise programs
and behavioral therapies. Several new drugs are currently under review.
The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is
for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with
your physician.