Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia in young people is increasing, especially in teenagers. Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome, or JPFS, is a collection of symptoms and ailments that are classified as a condition rather than a disease due to the lack of a root cause.

Informational research for JPFS needs attention since facts of any kind are sparse. Research indicates that childhood growing pains and kids that fall asleep in class may be early signs of JPFS. Based on those suspicions, some parents of stricken children who received a diagnosis and treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder are calling for a wake-up call to all physicians and researchers to look deeper. Parents and others fear ADD and a variety of other diagnosis may actually be juvenile fibromyalgia.

One two-year long private rheumatology study of fifteen children suffering from aching muscles, joints and problems sleeping, countered previous medical conclusions. Prior to the study, the kids’ diagnoses included chronic juvenile arthritis, hysteria, psychological ailments or simply growing pains. Examinations during the study did not reveal the usual symptoms attributed to any of the pre-study findings, nor were typical treatments responsive. However, the majority did respond to medications, exercise and sleep therapies used for JPFS.

A larger group of children with widespread, persistent or once-a-week musculoskeletal pain were studied. Some findings were comparable to adults with fibromyalgia, such as widespread pain caused more severe disability. The similarities between JPFS and chronic fatigue syndrome are under investigation. Both have comparable patterns and an unknown etiology, which torments researchers.

Support organizations suggest that if your child is achy, sore, has growing pains, cannot sleep or has restless legs when trying to sleep, you need to be persistent that JPHS be investigated.