Whereas muscle pain usually involves one or two regions of the body, the pain of fibromyalgia is more widespread with multiple tender points that have a quality different than the neck and back strain patterns we have discussed.
Women tend to be affected with fibromyalgia more than men, with the onset of symptoms in the 20's and 30's. Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed lending to its chronic nature, unnecessary medical treatment and emotional distress and frustration.
Predisposing factors for fibromyalgia have been postulated to be physical trauma, psychological stress, history of abuse and genetic.
Other chronic conditions are associated with fibromyalgia including chronic fatigue, sleep disturbance, myofascial pain, irritable bladder syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and cognitive dysfunction.
The pain of fibromyalgia is often made worse by physical activity, stress, lack of sleep, cold and damp weather. Complaints often found associated with fibromyalgia are generalized weakness, daily fatigue, muscle and joint stiffness, generalized tenderness, unrefreshed sleep, disturbed mood, anxiety, frequent urination, irritable bowel and multiple chemical sensitivities.
