Those with fibromyalgia may feel more pain

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 5 (UPI) -- Using sophisticated imaging techniques, the University of Michigan is demonstrating that fibromyalgia may affect millions of Americans.

"Fibromyalgia is a condition that's characterized by widespread pain involving the muscles, the joints, and in fact, any area of the body," Dr. Daniel Clauw, director of the University of Michigan Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, said in a statement.

"In addition to pain, individuals with fibromyalgia often experience sleep fatigue, difficulties with sleep and difficulties with memory and concentration, among other symptoms."

Using a technique called functional imaging, which allows scientists to look at how different areas of the brain function when people are given painful stimuli, the researchers found that for the same amount of damage or inflammation in the peripheral tissues, a fibromyalgia patient would feel significantly more pain than the average person.

Although the American College of Rheumatology estimates that about 3 percent of Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, Clauw says it's probably closer to 5 percent or 6 percent.