[Fibromyalgia] is a complex problem. Please don't jump to conclusions based on the common lay-press interpretation and erroneous assumptions made by less-than-informed individuals. It is important to stay abreast of current information, but this evolving understanding of fibromyalgia is just starting to unfold. Specifically, it is my assertion that it is a disease of the central nervous system. I'm not countering by saying it's a multiple sclerosis type problem but a problem of what I call "central activation". This is a complex discussion. In my book, I do what I can to bring it down to human terms. I do not believe fibromyalgia is a muscular disease and to focus on only the muscles and the associated symptoms is missing the big picture.

Fibromyalgia and its sister myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by several things:

• muscle pain
• depressive symptoms
• impairment of daily activities
• interrupted sleep pattern

In many cases, fibromyalgia evolves into muscle pain that is unrelenting and a devastating life experience. The existence of fibromyalgia (and probably myofascial pain syndrome) has been debated for many years, but its existence cannot be denied. The fibromyalgia sufferer has several challenges: to improve their quality of life, to better understand why they hurt, and to help loved ones (and, yes, even their physicians) understand their symptoms and suffering. Fibromyalgia often overlaps with other diseases. It is our hope that we can provide a better understanding of this disease and relating diseases through our Web pages and other scientific literature to help the sufferer better manage their symptoms. After all, knowledge is power, and, in this case, the power to improve the direction of care.

Looking for more specific answers? Try the Fibromyalgia Questions page.