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.

Fibromyalgia Trigger Points

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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.