E-mail this page to a friend Larger Font Size Choose an illness or disability Choose an illness or disability Alzheimer's Disease Amputation Arthritis Asperger Syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder Autism Batten Disease Burn Injuries Celiac Disease Cerebral Palsy Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Crohn's Disease Cystic Fibrosis Dementia Diabetes Down Syndrome Dwarfism Epilepsy Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fibromyalgia Hearing Loss and Deafness HIV and AIDS Huntington's Disease Intellectual Disability Learning Disabilities Lupus Multiple Sclerosis Narcolepsy Pervasive Developmental Disorders Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome Psoriasis Rare Diseases Scleroderma Speech and Language Impairments Spina Bifida Spinal Cord Injury Thyroid Diseases Traumatic Brain Injury Tuberous Sclerosis Turner Syndrome Ulcerative Colitis Unintentional Injury Vision Problems and Blindness Williams Syndrome

Fibromyalgia

Home > Illnesses and Disabilities Home > Types of Illnesses & Disabilities > Fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia have two main symptoms:

• pain all over the body lasting more than three months
• tenderness or pain in at least 11 of 18 "tender points"

Tender points are specific spots on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. If you have fibromyalgia, even a small amount of pressure on these points can be quite painful.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• fatigue (feeling tired)
• trouble sleeping
• morning stiffness
• headaches
• painful menstrual periods
• tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• problems with thinking and memory

Most people with fibromyalgia are women and most are diagnosed during middle age.

The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown. There may be a number of factors involved. Fibromyalgia has been linked to:

• stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents
• repeated injuries
• certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Medicines used to treat fibromyalgia include:

• pregabalin and other anticonvulsant medicines
• antidepressants
• painkillers

If you have fibromyalgia, getting enough sleep and being as physically active as possible may also help you feel better.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Employees with Fibromyalgia Syndrome - This publication for employers contains basic information regarding questions that might be considered when determining accommodations for people with fibromyalgia. This article discusses the issues that can affect these individuals, offers suggestions for employers and also includes example accommodations as well as a list of resources for further information.

   http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/Fibro.html

2.   Frequently Asked Questions - Fibromyalgia - This fact sheet gives general information on fibromyalgia. It describes the types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. It explains the difference between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and also includes resources that offer additional information.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/fibromya.htm

3.   Questions and Answers about Fibromyalgia - This publication provides detailed information concerning Fibromyalgia, possible causes, and available treatment options.

   http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp

4. Fibromyalgia (Copyright © ARC) - This fact sheet provides information on fibromyalgia, a common condition that is characterized by widespread aching, stiffness in muscles and soft tissues, and fatigue. It explains the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and the role of a rheumatologist.

   http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/fibromya_new.asp

5. Fibromyalgia (Copyright © AAFP) - This publication provides information on fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain in the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. It explains the symptoms, the kind of medicine a patient can take and also offers other alternatives to relieve symptoms for this condition.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/disorders/070.html

6. Fibromyalgia and Exercise (Copyright © AAFP) - This publication discusses Fibromyalgia, what it is, and ways to help yourself feel better through exercise.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/treatment/061.html

Organizations

1. American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
2. American Chronic Pain Association
3. American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association, Inc.
4. Fibromyalgia Network
5. Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
6. National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc.
7. National Fibromyalgia Research Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated May 15, 2008.