Fibromyalgia Facts and Tips

Kelly Rehan
Medical Writer
SpineUniverse
Wheaton, IL

Widespread chronic pain and debilitating fatigue are the two most common fibromyalgia symptoms. In fact, about 80% of people with fibromyalgia also have chronic fatigue syndrome.
Doctors have classified 18 tender points located over the neck, elbows, chest, back, hips, buttocks, and knees. Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience pain in at least 11 tender points.
Even though widespread pain and fatigue are classic fibromyalgia symptoms, exercise is often an essential part of treatment.
Women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia far more than men—80-90% of those diagnosed are women age 25 to 60.
Fibromyalgia was once considered a mental disorder, but research has shown that people with fibromyalgia may actually have a below average pain tolerance.
Researchers haven't determined a definitive cause of fibromyalgia, which is why fibromyalgia hasn't formally moved to disease status. It's commonly referred to as a syndrome, condition, or disorder.
About 30% of people with fibromyalgia also have depression or some form of mood disorder.
Fibromyalgia is often associated with other conditions, including rheumatoid rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome.
It's common for people with fibromyalgia to have difficulty concentrating or remembering. This is often called the "fibro fog."
There are three FDA-approved medications to treat fibromyalgia: Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella.

Last Updated: 04/02/2009

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