The Induction of Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Athletes versus Sendentary Controls; Correlations with Somatomadin-C.

Fibromyalgia syndrome FMS is a chronic and debilitating illness characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain, nonrestorative sleep, and the presence of localized tenderness at characteristic sites 1-4. An estimated three to six million Americans are affected 5. The prevalence of FMS in the general population has recently been assessed at roughly 2.0 6. It occurs most commonly in females between the ages of 20 and 60 years, but all ages and both genders are susceptible 2. The incidence and sex ratio of FMS in the active duty military population is unknown, however it may be responsible for many of the musculoskeletal complaints evaluated at troop medical clinics and military hospitals. At the Brooke Army Medical Center Rheumatology Clinic, 35 of 83 43 FMS patients fall within the typical active duty age range less than 50 years of age, and 20 are less than 40 years of age. During Operation Desert Storm soft tissue rheumatic disease accounted for 22 of outpatient visits over a one month period 7. Several soldiers required air evacuation to CONUS because of FMS personal communication, Gary L. Klipple, COL, MC at least two were medically retired.