Teen Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia's causes are still unknown. The reasoning is that probably many variable factors are the cause and still cannot be specifically pinpointed. A traumatic event may cause fibromyalgia, like an automobile accident causing physical problems and consequently emotional stress in teens who did not have these symptoms before.

In the past, fibromyalgia was mostly associated with women, then men, and now teens are diagnosed with the illness. Primary Juvenile Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in adolescents has no age discrimination and it is poorly diagnosed in the young. In children and teens, the onset of symptoms is frequently gradual. However, the types and degree of the symptoms are similar to that seen in adults. Some children with the illness look like everyone else, but they may feel so tired they suck their thumbs or put their heads down somewhere to sleep. It's either Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or napping. Many families whose children are showing signs of constant fatigue are being taken to see their family doctors to confirm a diagnosis.

This diagnostic of fibromyalgia in teenagers is being recognized and is rising. Only recently did they suspect that sleep disturbances may actually cause some cases of fibromyalgia. Consequently, fatigue, chronic anxiety, and tension causing headaches further amplifies the problem. Reliefs from the pain are prescribed medications, exercises, meditation and the correct foods and nutrients. The course of this disease may become chronic, which would impair the psychosocial development and functional status of children and teens. Behavioral analyses are being done to find out if family and environmental influences could be another factor.