Fibromyalgia

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Fibromyalgia is chronic (long-lasting) condition that causes pain all over the body, fatigue , and other symptoms. There is no cure, but treatments can help with the symptoms. What causes fibromyalgia? The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Studies of the brains of people with fibromyalgia found that they seem to process pain differently than people who don't have it. They may feel pain when others do not, and they may also have a more severe reaction to pain. Fibromyalgia can run in families, so genetics may also play a role. Other factors may also be involved, such as having certain diseases that cause pain. Who is at risk for fibromyalgia? Anyone can get fibromyalgia, but it is more common in: Women; they are twice as likely to have fibromyalgia Middle-aged people; your chance of having it increases as you get older People with certain diseases, such as lupus , rheumatoid arthritis , osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis People who have a family member with fibromyalgia What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia? The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are: Chronic (long-lasting) pain and stiffness all over the body. People often describe it as aching, burning, or throbbing. Fatigue and tiredness. Trouble sleeping . Other symptoms may include: Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration (sometimes called "fibro fog") Muscle and joint stiffness Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs Sensitivity to light, noise, odors, and temperature People who have fibromyalgia are also more likely to have certain diseases, including: Anxiety Depression Headaches , including migraines Irritable bowel syndrome Pain in the face or jaw, including disorders of the jaw know as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) How is fibromyalgia diagnosed? Fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose. It sometimes takes visits to several different health care providers to get a diagnosis. One problem is that there isn't a specific test for it. And the main symptoms, pain and fatigue, are common in