Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects 5 million or more Americans ages 18 and older and for unknown reasons, most people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women, although men and children also can be affected. People with certain disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may also have fibromyalgia, which can affect their disease course and treatment. People with fibromyalgia often see many doctors before finally receiving a diagnosis. The main symptoms—pain and fatigue—overlap with those of many other conditions, which can complicate the diagnosis.

People with fibromyalgia have “tender points” on the body. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. These points hurt when pressure is put on them. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia may also include:

What causes fibromyalgia isn’t fully understood and many factors likely contribute. People with fibromyalgia have changes in the communication between the body and the brain. These changes may lead the brain to interpret certain sensations as painful that might not be bothersome to people without the disorder. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in middle-aged women. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are particularly likely to develop fibromyalgia.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Medications may help relieve some, but not all, symptoms of fibromyalgia. Research shows that exercise may work as well as or better than medications. In additional, therapies such as tai chi, yoga, and cognitive behavior therapy can also help to reduce symptoms. People with fibromyalgia often have the best results when treated with multiple therapies.