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The
Four Quadrants
The
"Fibromyalgia Defined" area pointed
out that in order to meet the criteria
established by the American College
of Rheumatology, the pain must have
been present for at least 3 months'
duration, and must be present in all 4
quadrants of the body.
What exactly is a quadrant? Imagine
dividing the body into four quarters:
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(1)
|
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Right
side - above the waist |
|
(2)
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Left
side - above the waist |
|
(3)
|
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Right
side - below the waist |
|
(4)
|
|
Left
side - below the waist |
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What
Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia
is a complex syndrome characterized
by pain
amplification, musculoskeletal discomfort, and
multiple
systemic symptoms. In order to meet the criteria
established by the American College of Rheumatology,
the
pain must have been present for at least 3 months'
duration, and must be present in all 4 quadrants of the
body. The pain must occur in certain specific anatomical
sites and there have been 18 such sites identified. In
the
past, it was felt that at least 11 of these sites
must pro-
duce severe pain when 8 pounds of pressure were
applied
in order for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia to be
established. Recently, many researchers and clinicians
have felt that
even if less than 11 sites were active at
the time of the
exam, if other criteria were met, the
diagnosis of fibromy-
algia could still be made.
The reference above to
"multiple systemic symptoms"
means that
symptoms occur in such systems of the body
as
musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, genitourinary, nervous,
lymphatic, immune, and respiratory systems.
Fibromyalgia Exposed Links
What Is
Fibromyalgia?
Anatomical
Tender Points
Fibromyalgia - Sleep Disturbances
The Immune System Messengers
Immune
System Dysfunction
Fibromyalgia and Fatigue
Fibromyalgia and Female Hormonal
Imbalance
Day & Night....Fibro AMJ
Fibromyalgia
Recovery Program
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