Conditions > Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia and where does it occur?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting the body’s muscles, ligaments and tendons. While often difficult to diagnose, it is typically characterized by exhaustion, and pain and stiffness throughout the body.

How prevalent is this fibromyalgia?

Statistics indicate that approximately 1 in 50 Americans suffer from fibromyalgia and many more cases may be undiagnosed.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Widespread pain
Fatigue
Tenderness in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips
Stiffness
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety or depression
Headaches and facial pain

What causes it?

Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, there are several theories about what causes and triggers it. Injury or trauma to the spine, muscle injury, stress, sleep disturbances, overexposure to cold or damp conditions, changes to muscle metabolism, abnormalities in the nervous system, and infection are believed to start the process.