For Many, Fibromyalgia Is A Complete Pain

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Some doctors call fibromyalgia the "invisible" illness because the people suffering from it look completely fine and healthy.

Just trying telling the people who have fibromyalgia that they are fine.

To those who suffer with it, a handshake can be excrutiating.

It is one of this country's most chronic illnesses -- some five million Americans are said to be afflicted. And...the vast majority of those people, 80-90 percent by some estimates...are women.

Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association, and Dr. Hernan Castro-Rueda, were in-studio guests on the KCAL 9 News at 2PM Monday, to discuss fibromyalgia, its signs and its symptoms.

They were also on hand to discuss a free educational seminar to be held on the topic on October 23 in Mission Viejo.

Called Fibro Focus, the event will be held at 3 pm. at the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, 92691.

For more information about fibromyalgia, click on the following link: http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer