Saugus - Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) affects 3-6 million individuals of which 90 percent are women between the ages of 40 and 60 years. It is the 3rd most prevalent rheumatologic disorder after osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The word “fibromyalgia” is a combination of Latin roots “fibro” (connective tissue), “al” (pain) and “gia” (condition of). The word syndrome simply means a group of signs and symptoms that occur together which characterize a particular abnormality.

The diagnosis of FMS is given when no specific underlying cause can be found for the following set of signs and symptoms: a complaint of wide-spread muscle pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist for at least three months duration. In addition, midline body pain on the spine or chest must also be present. Additional symptoms include tension headaches, generalized stiffness, sleep disorders, debilitating fatigue and a high incidence of irritable bowel syndrome.

Although there is no cure for this syndrome, moderate to excellent results have been achieved through a multi-faceted approach including chiropractic adjustments, exercise, proper nutrition and stress reduction.

Doctors of Chiropractic are specially trained to provide safe, effective treatment for many neuromusculokeletal conditions and allied disorders through manipulation, physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and nutritional counseling.

If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms above, or if you have any questions, contact Dr. Keith A. Briggs of Briggs Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Office at 781-233-4122.