Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek terms for muscle (myo) and pain (algia).
Who Is Affected by Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia affects 3 million to 6 million people, or as many as 1 in every 50 Americans. For unknown reasons, between 80 percent and 90 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women; however, men and children can also have this disorder. Most people are diagnosed with fibromyalgia during middle age.
People with certain other conditions may be more likely to have fibromyalgia. These other conditions may include diseases such as:
Women who have a family member with fibromyalgia may be more likely to have fibromyalgia themselves. Other risk factors for fibromyalgia can include:
- Being exposed to physically or emotionally stressful or traumatic events, such as a car accident, surgery, or being deployed to war.
- Having injuries to the body caused by performing the same action over and over again.
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