• 1976 – Because no evidence of inflammation could be found, physicians changed the name from fibrositis to fibromyalgia (meaning pain in muscles and tissues).
• 1981 – The first controlled clinical study with validation of known symptoms and tender points was published.
• 1987 – The American Medical Association recognized fibromyalgia as a real physical condition.
• 1990 – The American College of Rheumatology developed diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia to be used for research purposes. The criteria soon began to be used by clinicians as a tool to help them diagnose patients.
• 1990s – The concept of neurohormonal mechanisms with central sensitization was developed.
• 2007 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Lyrica for the treatment of fibromyalgia. This was the first drug ever to receive FDA approval for fibromyalgia. (Since then, two additional medications – Cymbalta and Savella – have also reeived FDA approval for the treatment of FM.)
Theories
A number of different theories about what fibromyalgia is and what causes it have come and gone over the years. Unfortunately, for several hundred years fibromyalgia was considered by most doctors to be a psychological disorder. Its victims, mostly women, were accused of being hypochondriacs, malingering or simply trying to get attention. Even today, some insist on hanging on to this theory.
During the 20th century, fibromyalgia began to be recognized by some medical professionals as a real physical condition. At first it was thought to be a disease of the muscles and fibrous tissues, which was a logical assumption since muscle pain seemed to be the main symptom. However, tests done on the muscles and tissues of FM patients failed to show any actual damage. Next, researchers theorized that it might be an autoimmune disorder, but research could not uncover any disturbance of the immune system.
Finally, as the 21st century approached and technology brought new laboratory testing methods and brain-imaging techniques, researchers were able to identify a sensitization of the central nervous system in fibromyalgia patients. Today ongoing research continues to uncover exciting new information about the causes and treatment of FM. Hopefully one day soon fibromyalgia will be relegated to the pages of past history.
Sources:
Ford, Maryka. “Florence Nightingale – A Biography.” R.E.S.C.I.N.D., 1997-2000,
Stonecypher, Sherron M. “History of Fibromyalgia.” Lewis & Clark College. 7/7/99.
Inanici, F. “History of Fibromyalgia: Past to Present.” PubMed 4/30/07.
“Fibromyalgia Throughout the Ages.” FACES. 2003.
© Karen Lee Richards
Last updated: 3/16/09
