Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes muscle pain and tenderness all over the body. It can also cause extreme exhaustion and other symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 4 million adults in the United States have fibromyalgia.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but it does not usually get worse over time. More information about the condition has also come out in recent years, including treatment options and ways to manage symptoms.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
- Chronic pain all over the body (people often describe it as aching, burning, or throbbing)
- Extreme tiredness
- Headaches or migraine
- Stiff muscles and joints
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
- Sensitivity to light, noise, smells, touch, and temperature
People who have fibromyalgia are also more likely to have anxiety, depression, and face or jaw pain.
Who is more likely to have fibromyalgia?
Anyone can have fibromyalgia, but it often runs in families. It’s more common in women than men, and it usually starts in middle age.
We don’t know the exact cause. NIH research suggests it might be an issue with how the brain processes body pain. Other conditions that may increase your chances for having fibromyalgia include:
- Certain kinds of arthritis
- Lupus
- Chronic back pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
There is no single test that can diagnose fibromyalgia. You may need to see different health care providers to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. This is sometimes called a “differential diagnosis.”
A provider will ask patients whether they have had widespread body pain and tenderness lasting more than three months. They will also ask about fatigue, stiffness, trouble sleeping, or problems with memory and thinking.
How is fibromyalgia treated?
Fibromyalgia treatment plans often take a team of health care providers to tackle the physical and psychological sides of the condition.
Pain medicines and antidepressants can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Some antiseizure medications such as pregabalin have also been shown to target pain messages from the brain. This can reduce pain and improve sleep.
Some people seek complementary medicine such as acupuncture and massage. But these approaches have not been well-tested in people with fibromyalgia. It’s also important to exercise, get enough sleep, and rest when needed. Mental health treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy can also help people cope with the condition.
*This article was originally published in September 2018. It has been updated.
