Fibromyalgia is a chronic and painful condition which affects about 10 million people in the United States alone. To increase public awareness of this often misunderstood condition, May 12th of each year is proclaimed "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day". Fibromyalgia has left many patients and physicians baffled and perplexed. Not much credence was given to fibromyalgia symptoms years ago, leaving patients to think it was "all in their head". Consequently, it was hard for family, friends, and employers to understand when patients themselves didn't fully understand.

• Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz
• Fast Facts About Fibromyalgia
• How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Current research has determined there is a physiological cause for fibromyalgia and various biochemical abnormalities in patients with fibromyalgia. The condition can affect anyone, but 75% of fibromyalgia patients are women. It often takes a patient an average of 5 years to get an accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It has also been reported that fibromyalgia costs society over $9 billion dollars a year in medical visits, disability, and loss of productivity. Though scientific research is becoming enlightened about fibromyalgia, it's just as important for the public to become aware of fibromyalgia, an invisible illness without a cure. The National Fibromyalgia Association's theme for 2008 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is Caring by Sharing.

More Related Resources:

• Fibromyalgia/CFS at About.com
• Test Your Knowledge: Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia 101: Free E-Course Newsletter
• 10 Things You Should Know About Fibromyalgia

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