Glossary of Research and Other Fibromyalgia Terms and Definitions
Scientific words and phrases can be difficult to understand for those outside of the scientific or medical community. Check this area for words commonly used in medical literature or oral presentations related to fibromyalgia. A better understanding of the terminology used by researchers and clinicians can help you make sense of information that might be beneficial in your treatment and, ultimately, to your quality of life.
Acetamininophen - A type of pain reliever that does not contain aspirin and does not need a prescription.
Acupressure -The application of pressure (as with the thumbs or fingertips) to the same discrete points on the body stimulated in acupuncture; used for therapeutic effects (as the relief of tension or pain).
Acupuncture - The ancient Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease or relieve pain.
Adherence -(Same as Compliance) How well the patient adheres to an agreed treatment plan.
Adverse Events - Negative side effects of a treatment.
Allodynia - A condition in which you have a painful reaction to a stimulus, such as a light touch on your skin, when you shouldn’t.
Alternative Medicine - Any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as homeopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, Ayurveda, or faith healing) that are not included in the traditional curricula taught in medical schools of the United States and Britain.
American College of Rhrumatology (ACR) - The official organization for health-care professionals who treat arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. This organization established the criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia.
Analgesic - A drug that helps reduce or eliminate the perception of pain.
Antidepressant - A prescription medication that is prescribed to relieve moodiness and depression. Some antidepressants can also promote sleep and help relieve pain.
Anti-Tumour NECROSIS FACTOR TNF is a chemical made by the body’s immune system. When it is made in the joints it causes the process of inflammation and joint damage, as in rheumatoid arthritis. It was first discovered many years ago in experiments on cancer, where it was found to cause cancer cells to die, and so it was called Tumour Necrosis (i.e. the death of a piece of bone or tissue) Factor.

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