Fibromyalgia is a complex and multifaceted syndrome causing chronic pain. It involves both widespread myalgia (muscle pain) and localized pain in specific areas, particularly in the muscles around the joints. The musculoskeletal symptoms include pain, stiffness and tenderness. Pain commonly occurs in the neck, back, shoulders, pelvis and hands. The vast majority of the individuals affected are women.

Contrary to popular belief, it is a disorder of muscles, not of joints. Though pain is the main component of this condition, fibromyalgia may also involve fatigue, sleep disturbances and mood disturbances, such as depression and anxiety. The condition is episodic, with flare-ups that vary in intensity and come and go over time.

Although no identifying agent has been thoroughly identified at the root of the problems associated with fibromyalgia, it is generally agreed that certain body chemicals, including substance P (responsible for initiating pain signals after injuries) and serotonin (responsible for toning down the intensity of pain signals) exist in abnormal levels. This causes ordinarily nonpainful stimuli to be translated into pain (allodynia) and amplifies the pain, resulting in a lowering of the pain threshold and increase in pain sensitivity.

Physicians often use fibromyalgia as a classic example of a central pain state, in which the cause of the pain cannot be identified in the local pain site and most of the processes resulting in pain occur at the level of the spinal cord and brain. However, the pain is not “imagined” or psychological. Some form of input from the pain site is required – even if it is as common as a touch, light or sound. In patients with fibromyalgia, these stimuli are misinterpreted as painful events.

Fibromyalgia is considered a benign condition. It is not degenerative or deforming, nor is it life-threatening. Though the pain may be severe and may significantly reduce quality of life, fibromyalgia causes no lasting tissue damage.

The symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may seriously affect competitive employment. Though most patients remain in the workforce, some claim disability. Doing so can be difficult, even when physicians agree that symptoms are severe enough to warrant aid.

Although fibromyalgia has been recognized by the Social Security Administration as a medically determinable impairment, a general misunderstanding and lack of education regarding it may cause many organizations and individuals to disregard the condition. The Arthritis Foundation reports that disability rates among fibromyalgia patients may be as high as 44 percent.

Fibromyalgia is the second most common disorder seen by rheumatologists and among the most common causes of widespread, chronic pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, fibromyalgia affects an estimated 2 percent of the United States population – about 3.5 million Americans.

Men and women of all races and ages, including children and the elderly, may be affected, but fibromyalgia occurs most often in women over the age of 30. According to the American College of Rheumatology, about 80 percent to 90 percent of those affected by fibromyalgia are women.

Though uncertainty remains regarding the underlying cause, diagnosis and optimal treatment exist for fibromyalgia. Many professionals and researchers are making efforts to improve the quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Better ways to diagnose and treat this condition are being researched. In addition, remaining active as much as possible is a must for fibromyalgia patients.