Fibromyalgia: Symptoms & Causes - Mayo Clinic

Overview

Condition: Long-term disorder characterized by widespread body pain.
Symptoms: Include fatigue, sleep issues, memory, and mood problems.
Mechanism: Affects brain and spinal cord processing of pain signals, increasing sensitivity.
Triggers: May begin post-injuries, surgery, infections, or emotional stress, or gradually over time.
Prevalence: More common in women; often coexists with headaches, TMJ disorders, IBS, anxiety, and depression.
Management: No cure; treatment involves medications, exercise, therapy, and stress reduction.

Pain: Persistent dull ache lasting at least 3 months, widespread across the body.
Fatigue: Poor sleep quality leading to tiredness; may involve sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
Cognitive Issues: "Fibro fog" affects attention and mental tasks.
Associated Conditions: IBS, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, interstitial cystitis, TMJ disorders, anxiety, depression, postural tachycardia syndrome, and post-COVID syndrome.

Nerve Changes: Brain and spinal cord alterations causing increased pain signaling.
Pain Memory: Brain’s pain receptors develop heightened response to stimuli.
Genetic Factors: Runs in families; certain genes may predispose individuals.
Infections & Events: Certain infections or physical/emotional stressors can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Gender: Higher prevalence in women.
Genetics: Family history increases risk.
Other Conditions: Higher risk with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or obesity.

Impact: Affects personal life, career; misunderstood condition leads to stress.
Mental Health: Increased risk of depression and anxiety due to chronic symptoms and societal misunderstanding.

Guides: Mayo Clinic offers books on fibromyalgia and pain relief for better management of the condition.