Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of widespread pain, aching and stiffness of muscles, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances and multiple tender points.
What causes fibromyalgia is not well understood; however, most patients describe a physical trauma, such as a whiplash or neck injury from a car accident, as the beginning of their fibromyalgia pain.
Fibromyalgia — Explained
| fibro | – | fibrous tissue (e.g. ligaments, tendons, fascia) |
| myo | – | muscle tissue |
| algia | – | pain |
Symptoms
FM is a chronic condition characterized by:
Fatigue
Widespread musculoskeletal pain above and below the waist
Otherwise, symptoms can vary from person to person. There is no definitive biological marker or test.
In addition to pain and fatigue, other symptoms include:
Stiffness
Facial / TMJ pain
Anxiety or Panic Disorders
Irritable Bladder
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Numbness and tingling
Hypersensitivity to the environment
Chest pain
Difficulty concentrating (“fibro fog or brain fog”)
Headaches
Weight change
Dizziness and Balance Problems
Memory Lapses
For more information, consult the Canadian Consensus Documents.