1. Fibromyalgia – Real or Fantasy?
Ronald H. Bradley, D.O., Ph.D
Health Plus of Michigan
Total Health Care of Michigan, P.C.
Contact Us: Phone: (517)

2. What is Fibromyalgia?
Complex, chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue
Numerous side effects may exist
Produces pain in the soft tissue located around joints, in skin, and organs throughout the body

3. Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Stiffness
Increased Headaches
Facial Pain
Sleep Distrubances
Cognitive Disorder
Gastrointestinal Complaints
Skin Complaints
Depression and Anxiety
Genito-Urinary Problems
Paresthesia
Myofascial Trigger Points
Chest Symptoms
Dysequilibrium
Leg Sensations
Sensory Sensitivity
Allergic Symptoms

4. Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria
History of Widespread Pain
Chronic, widespread pain lasting longer than 3 months
Widespread pain being experienced in all four quadrants of the body
Axial skeletal pain must be present (pain located in the cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine, or lower back)
Pain in 11 of 18 Tender Point Sites on Digital Palpation
(1 & 2) Occiput: bilateral, at the sub-occipital muscle insertions.
(3 & 4) Low Cervical: bilateral, at the anterior aspects of the inter-transverse spaces at C5-C7.
(5 & 6) Trapezius: bilateral, at the midpoint of the upper border.
(7 & 8) Supraspinatus: bilateral, at origins, above the scapula spine near the medial border.
(9 & 10) Second Rib: bilateral, at the second costochondral junctions, just lateral to the junctions on upper surfaces.
(11 & 12) Lateral Epicondyle: bilateral, 2 cm distal to the epicondyles.
(13 & 14) Gluteal: bilateral, in upper outer quadrants of buttocks in anterior fold of muscle.
(15 & 16) Greater Trochanter: bilateral, posterior to the trochanteric prominence.
(17 & 18) Knee: bilateral, at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line.

5. Fibromyalgia Symptoms

6. Causes Cause is currently “unknown” However, it is linked to trauma…
Stress Associated Syndrome
Centrally Mediated
3 times the level of substance “P” (brain chemical associated with pain)
Low levels of serotonin

7. Prevalence 70% in Females 30% in Males Age Group 20 – 60
Family history is a positive indicator

8. Physical Rehabilitation
Massage
Myofascial Release
Trigger Point Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy
Osteopathy
Stretching
Diet
Aerobic Exercise

9. Complimentary Therapies
Postural
Occupational
Relaxation
Nutrition
Acupuncture
Cognitive Restructuring