FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is characterised by chronic widespread pain and joint
stiffness, as well as systemic symptoms manifesting as mood disorders,
fatigue, cognitive dysfunction and insomnia.1,2 It does not
have a well-defined underlying cause; however, it can be associated
with rheumatoid disease, psychological disorders, infections and
diabetes.1
Quick facts
- Fibromyalgia is the most common widespread pain condition, with a greater prevalence in women than men.3,4
- Key risk factors for fibromyalgia include having a first-degree relative with the condition5 and the presence of some autoimmune disorders.6
- Central sensitisation is considered to be the main mechanism underlying fibromyalgia;1 an increased response to stimulation mediated by central nervous system (CNS) signalling results in heightened responses to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia) and painful responses to non-painful stimuli (allodynia).5
- Approximately half of patients with fibromyalgia have small fibre pathology suggesting involvement of the peripheral nervous system.7
- In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) developed a set of diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia that consider the severity of accompanying symptoms, such as fatigue, bowel disorders and the extent of widespread pain.8