Fibromyalgia
PAIN INSIGHTS: KEY PAIN CONDITIONS
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