Fibromyalgia (FM, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, FMS)

Definition

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic, and disabling disorder. It causes widespread pain and stiffness in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, along with poor sleep and fatigue.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown.

The following conditions are commonly associated with fibromyalgia:

• Depression and anxiety
• Muscle pain
• Chronic headache, such as tension headaches (frequently beginning with neck discomfort)
• Numbness and tingling
• Sensation of swollen hands and edema (swelling usually in the feet, ankles, and legs)
• Nocturnal myoclonus (moving legs involuntarily during sleep)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Substance abuse
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Female urethral syndrome (irritable bladder)
• Raynaud's disease

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting fibromyalgia. Risk factors include:

• Sex: female
• Age: 20-60 years old
• Physical or mental stress
• Physical trauma (eg, accident, injury, or severe illness)

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Generalized fatigue or tiredness
• Reduced physical endurance
• Generalized aches and pains of muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Muscle tightening or spasms
• Pain in specific areas of the body, especially:
  
  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Chest
  • Back (upper and lower)
  • Hips and thighs
• Insomnia or poor sleep
• Sensations of numbness or swelling (although swelling is not actually present)
• Chronic headaches, including migraines
• Morning stiffness, worst on first arising

Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:

• Weather changes, especially cold, damp weather
• Stress or anxiety
• Overexertion
• Medical illness
• Surgery

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a thorough physical exam. There are no specific tests for this condition.

The doctor will look for the following signs:

• Widespread pain lasting three months or longer
• Tenderness (on physical exam) in at least 11 of 18 specific areas of the body

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve or control the symptoms. Treatments include:

Prevention

Since the cause is unknown, there are no guidelines for preventing fibromyalgia.