Fibromyalgia, sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome, is a poorly understood condition that is characterized by widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons as well as fatigue and tenderness. The pain tends to be chronic but it can also wax and wane with time. The tenderness occurs in specific areas of the body — the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and upper and lower extremities — where even a light touch can be painful. Other symptoms may also occur including cognitive problems and sleep disturbances.

Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 6 million Americans — one in every 50 people — and 80-90% of them are women. Diagnosis most often occurs in middle age but the symptoms often appear earlier in life. Fibromyalgia is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with several other conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome) and as a result many people suffer for years without a diagnosis.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but the good news is that is it not progressive or life threatening. Available treatments and self care methods can help improve fibromyalgia symptoms.