Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting problem that causes a person to have muscle pain and feel weak.
The cause is not known. It may be linked to genes, certain health problems, and stress.
This problem is more common in women who are middle aged. Other things that may raise the risk are:
A person with this problem will have muscle pain and feel weak. Others problems are:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. An exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms. Choices are:
Exercise at least four times a week for 30 minutes each time. Strength training exercises and aerobic exercises like swimming are best.
Therapy may help a person cope. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one method that teaches how thought patterns influence pain.
These medicines may be given:
Fibromyalgia cannot be prevented. The cause is not known.
American College of Rheumatology
The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association
The Arthritis Society
Fibromyalgia Information and Local Support
About fibromyalgia. National Fibromyalgia Association website. Available at: http://www.fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia. Accessed October 31, 2019.
Fibromyalgia. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia. Updated March 2019. Accessed October 31, 2019.
Fibromyalgia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/fibromyalgia. Updated September 20, 2019. Accessed October 31, 2019.
Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia. Updated July 2014. Accessed October 31, 2019.
Macfarlane GJ, Kronisch C, et al. EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Feb;76(2):318-328full-text, commentary can be found in Nat Rev Rheumatol 2016 Oct;12(10);568.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
