Fibromyalgia Facts and Tips
- 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 lower threshold for pain.
- 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.
Updated on: 02/08/11
