Chronic fibromyalgia currently affects circa two percent of the population of the developed world.
Although this figure has been reported, it is possibly underrating the count due to many medical professionals refusing to diagnose the condition based on experience of many of the related symptoms unless patients show specific history of pain and a response to at least eleven of eighteen designated points upon the human body.
Some sources believe that as many as five percent may be affected in totality, worldwide.
The official diagnosis has been established by the American College of Rheumatology as requiring firstly, pain for a minimum of three months to have been reported in both the upper and lower sections of the torso and on both the left and right, at the front and back, and secondly, that a minimal count of trigger points are affected by pressure to cause either pain of severe discomfort.
Being a disorder that is termed as chronic, fibromyalgia patients require ongoing care and treatment that may add to the already potentially present problems of stress, anxiety and depression.
Finding a workable plan that is both long term and affordable can be difficult.
Each individual suffers from a variety of the specified chronic fibromyalgia complaints, and for a different duration, strength and reaction to treatment to other sufferers.
There is currently no known cure to suit every individual, nor is the cause yet established, although research has found some common denominators in several cases which do not account for everybody.
Shock, trauma, accident and illness may all be responsible for kick-starting chronic fibromyalgia, but sometimes none of these are present in a sufferer's history.
Genetics have also been investigated as a possible determinant.
There is a difficulty in providing the cost for treating a condition that is chronic.
Chronic fibromyalgia treatments vary dramatically, and choice between options rests not only on specific problems but also on financial ability to continue with treatments long term.
For this reason, many victims choose to implement simple and cost free alternatives to available medicines and therapies that might also help.
Apart from conventional medicines such as analgesia and antidepressants, herbal remedies may also be out of reach on a long term basis for many sufferers.
Manual therapy such as chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage may also be beyond the pocket of the average sufferer - unless their health fund covers such treatments.
Popular low cost methods for controlling symptoms of chronic fibromyalgia include Yoga, walking, dietary changes and cycling.
These all present ways of dealing with the problems arising from the syndrome without taking more than an initial fee if anything from the wallet.
Apart from starting costs for a series of classes, a decent pair of shoes, and a bicycle, these methods of treatment are not likely to having ongoing cost.
Once Yoga poses have been learned for example, you can safely practice at home without incurring further expense.
Likewise, when you have a bike or exercise bike purchased, you will have free disease maintenance for many years.
Once the pain and muscle stiffness of chronic fibromyalgia has been dealt with, many of the side symptoms need to be addressed.
Problems akin to irritable bowel syndrome, dietary changes that assist with sleeping better, nausea, skin sensitivity and dizziness may all need to have additional treatment.
Many patients turn to herbal remedies as these are safer for ongoing consumption.
Products such as ginger, willow and alfalfa have all been known to lessen pain, and ginger additionally assists with any circulatory problems that may be present.
Various vitamins and minerals are also associated with the recuperation from and maintenance of the continuing conditions of chronic fibromyalgia.