BCHS physician to discuss fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a common chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized primarily by musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. The two major diagnostic criteria are widespread musculoskeletal pain and excessive tenderness in at least 11 of 18 predefined locations on a person's body.
Curtis Simmons, M.D., a family medicine physician at Summit Healthcare Group will talk about 'Understanding Fibromyalgia,' on Wednesday, January 16, at Burnham Brook Senior Center. Senior Health Partners presents the program at noon as part of its 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public.
A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Simmons' presentation. Seating is limited; reservations can be made by calling Senior Health Partners at
(269) 441-0948.
"Fibromyalgia is noted as one of the most common chronic widespread types of pain in the U.S. and statistics indicate it affects more than six million people," says Dr. Simmons. "Currently the causes of this disorder are not fully known. Recent studies suggest that changes in the central nervous system may contribute to the chronic pain of this condition as such nerve and brain cells can become extra sensitive under certain conditions."
This condition may lead to extra signals being sent to the brain, and an increase in the pain that a person feels. A person whose central nervous system has become extra sensitive may feel a type of chronic widespread pain that is typical of fibromyalgia.
The pain may occur as a result of a number of things such as viral infections, trauma, musculoskeletal injury, and exposure to chronic stress. Sleep disorders that go along with fibromyalgia may make the condition worse which can exacerbate the symptoms.
"As with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, they often seem to begin after an infection or a severe shock (physical or emotional), and the symptoms are very similar," says Dr. Simmons. "The only obvious difference seems to be that for some people the fatigue element is the most dominant while for others the muscular pain symptoms are greatest."
In other words, for many people the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are interchangeable terms. Although there are certain symptoms (fever, swollen glands for example) which are found in a higher percentage of chronic fatigue syndrome patients than those with fibromyalgia, which sometimes make such a comparison less precise.
There is no blood test or diagnostic study that can tell someone if they have fibromyalgia, but research continues to focus on ways to improve diagnose and treatment of this condition.
Dr. Simmons will discuss the various aspects related to fibromyalgia such as potential causes, who is typically affected by this condition, what are the primary symptoms, and current approaches in treatment.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://burnhambrook.com, or call
(269) 441-0933.
About the Presenter
Curtis Simmons earned his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, and completed his residency at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and holds memberships in the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Medicine.
Dr. Simmons practices a full scope of family medicine, including care of patients from infancy to the senior years. He is in the Summit Healthcare Group practice.
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