Are there different types of Fibromyalgia ?
Some physicians believe that there are different types of fibromyalgia, and some think that there is only one main form of fibromyalgia, also known as primary fibromyalgia, which is responsible for the wide variety of symptoms in FMS patients.
Primary fibromyalgia is the most universally accepted form of fibromyalgia, and is normally diagnosed when no other underlying rheumatologic disease, such as arthritis or lupus, is present, and at least 11 of 18 designated tender points are confirmed. Other types of fibromyalgia that have been identified include concomitant fibromyalgia, which occurs with along with seemingly unrelated conditions such as osteoarthritis or scoliosis; and secondary or reactive fibromyalgia, which is thought to occur as a result of the onset of another known disease or injury.
Secondary fibromyalgia may be triggered by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, hypothyroidism, HIV, cancer; it may also be triggered my physical trauma, such as that suffered after a car accident or work injury. Secondary fibromyalgia is sometimes referred to as post-traumatic fibromyalgia, and some physicians think that this particular form of fibromyalgia may remain confined to the injury site. This “regional fibromyalgia” may be present in patients who experience pain at fewer than 11 of 18 positive tender points.
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