Chapter 51 Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter describes fibromyalgia (FM) as a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, disturbed sleep, fatigue, and muscle stiffness. Despite the polysymptomatic nature of FM, widespread pain and tenderness have always remained the hallmarks of this syndrome. The majority of FM patients report localized pain for many years before developing the generalized pain of FM. It discusses that the risk of developing FM seems to increase in patients with painful conditions, as exemplified by the high incidence of FM in patients with whiplash-associated pain, chronic low back pain, and various inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The chapter reviews that the pathophysiology of FM is most likely explained by a complex interaction between peripheral and central mechanisms. Although joint pain is not uncommon, the pain in FM is mainly localized to the musculature and physical activity causes exacerbation of pain and tenderness in FM patients. It concludes that despite the abundance of scientific studies, the FM symptoms are still sometimes regarded with scepticism by doctors, which can have a negative impact on the FM patients.