When your child has fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues around the body. It's an ongoing (chronic) condition. It 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.

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The cause is unknown. Some researchers think there may be a link with sleep problems and stress. It may also be linked to genetic, immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems. It can be thought of as a pain regulation disorder. People with this condition may be more sensitive to pain at lower levels than others.

Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. Chronic pain is the most common symptom.

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 a lot like arthritis. But it's not a condition that gets worse. And it doesn't damage muscles or bones. Other common symptoms include:

• Medium to severe tiredness (fatigue).
• Sleep problems at night.
• Depressed mood.
• Anxiety.
• Headaches.
• Missing a lot of school.
• Pain that affects many bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or muscles (diffuse musculoskeletal pain).

There are no tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Instead, diagnosis is based on your child's symptoms and a physical exam. Your child may need blood tests, X-rays, or other tests. 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 bad the condition is. There's no cure for fibromyalgia, but the symptoms can be managed. Mild cases may get better with stress reduction or lifestyle changes. Treatment may include:

• Exercise and physical therapy to stretch muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness.
• Relaxation methods to help ease pain.
• Cognitive behavior therapy, a type of talk therapy.
• Heat treatments.
• Cold treatments once in a while.
• Massage.
• Use of antidepressants to improve sleep and mood.
• Finding and managing other conditions your child may have such as chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, or hypermobility syndrome.

Talk with your child's doctors about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

Fibromyalgia symptoms often continue into adulthood, but they may change over time. Treatment and healthy habits can help your child manage their symptoms and feel better. Pain and low energy can affect your child’s quality of life and mood and may lead to depression. Talk with your child’s doctor if you think your child may be depressed. Help your child follow their treatment plan, including getting enough sleep and doing recommended exercise and physical therapy. Try to find ways to make these activities fun. Work with your child’s school to get help as needed. Your child may also qualify for support under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Contact the doctor if your child has any of these:

• Symptoms that don't get better, or that get worse
• New symptoms