Definition

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic, and disabling disorder. It causes widespread pain. It also causes poor sleep and fatigue.

Causes

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.

The following are some of the conditions that are commonly associated with fibromyalgia:

• Depression and anxiety
• Chronic headache, such as tension headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Dysmenorrhea
• Female urethral syndrome (irritable bladder)

Risk Factors

Fibromyalgia is more common in women, and in people aged 20-60 years old. Physical or mental stress may also increase your chance of getting fibromyalgia.

Symptoms

Symptoms and severity of fibromyalgia are different for everyone.

Fibromyalgia may cause:

• Generlized pain and tenderness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Poor sleep
• Reduced physical endurance
• Problems with concentration, thought, or memory

Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:

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

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is usually based on reported symptoms and tenderness in specific areas of the body during the physical exam.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve or control the symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent fibromyalgia.

The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association http://www.afsafund.org

Fibromyalgia Information and Local Support http://fibromyalgia.ncf.ca

Buckhardt CS, Goldenberg D, Crofford L, et al. Guideline for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome pain in adults and children. Glenview (IL): American Pain Society (APS); 2005. as summarized in National Guideline Clearinghouse 2005;19:7298.

Carville SF, Arendt-Nielsen S, Bliddal H, et al. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis. 2008;67:536-541.

Fibromyalgia. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at:
http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases_And_Conditions/Fibromyalgia
Updated February 2013. Accessed June 23, 2015.

Fibromyalgia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 8, 2015. Accessed June 29, 2015.

Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp
Updated July 2014. Accessed June 29, 2015.

Wierville L. Fibromyalgia: diagnosing and managing a complex syndrome. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2012;24(4):184-92.

2/17/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Russell IJ, Perkins AT, Michalek JE; Oxybate SXB-26 Fibromyalgia Syndrome Study Group. Sodium oxybate relieves pain and improves function in fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;60:299-309.

4/14/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Munguía-Izquierdo D, Legaz-Arrese A. Assessment of the effects of aquatic therapy on global symptomatology in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008;89:2250-2257.

4/22/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Sañudo B, Galiano D, Carrasco L, Blagojevic M, de Hoyo M, Saxton J. Aerobic exercise versus combined exercise therapy in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;91(12):1838-1843.

4/22/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Carson JW, Carson KM, Jones KD, Bennett RM, Wright CL, Mist SD. A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia. Pain. 2010;151(2):530-539.