Pediatric Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues around the body. It's an ongoing (chronic) condition which can affect the neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms and legs. The pain may be worse in the morning and evening. Sometimes the pain may last all day long. The pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety and stress. Fibromyalgia is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged women. But children may also have this condition. The condition affects about 1 in 100 to 1 in 50 school-aged children and teens in the U.S. Most cases start in the early teens.

The cause is unknown. Researchers think there may be a link with sleep problems and stress. It may also be linked to immune, endocrine or biochemical problems.

Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. Chronic pain is the most common symptom. The pain most often affects the muscles and the points where muscles attach to bones. These are the tendons. The pain also affects ligaments which attach bones to bones.

Pain may start in one part of the body, such as the neck and shoulders. Over time the whole body may be affected. The pain ranges from mild to severe. It may feel like burning, soreness, stiffness, aching, or gnawing pain. There may be sore spots in certain parts of the muscles. It may feel similar to arthritis, but it doesn't damage muscles or bones. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Medium to severe tiredness (fatigue)
• Sleep problems at night
• Depressed mood
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Missing a lot of school

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can seem like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

There are no tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Instead, diagnosis is based on your child’s symptoms and a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays or other tests may be done. These are to rule out other causes of your child’s symptoms.

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but the symptoms can be managed. Mild cases may get better with stress reduction or lifestyle changes. Treatment may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines, to ease pain and help your child sleep
• Other pain medicines
• Exercise and physical therapy, to stretch muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness
• Relaxation methods to help ease pain
• Heat or cold treatments
• Massage
• Short-term use of antidepressants at bedtime, to improve sleep and mood

Talk with your child’s healthcare providers about the risks, benefits and possible side effects of all medicines.

It's not known if fibromyalgia in a child continues into adulthood. The pain and lack of energy can affect your child’s quality of life and may cause depression. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if you think your child has depression. Help your child manage their symptoms by sticking to the treatment plan. This includes getting enough sleep. Encourage exercise and physical therapy, and find ways to make it fun. Work with your child’s school to make sure your child has help as needed. Your child may also qualify for special help under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

If your child’s symptoms get worse or there are new symptoms, tell the healthcare provider.