First recognized by the American Medical Association in 1987, fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread joint, muscle and tendon pain and tenderness throughout the body.http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/257/20/2782 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079 The condition is estimated to occur in approximately 2 percent of the United States population. The primary demographic diagnosed with the condition is women between the ages of 20 and 50.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000427.htm Fibromyalgia occurs both as a solitary condition and in conjunction with other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Fibromyalgia frequently mimics the symptoms of diseases such as arthritis, but is not progressive or degenerative in nature.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000427.htm While it does not usually lead to the development of other conditions, syndromes or diseases, it can lead to increased pain, depression and sleep disturbances. These issues may interfere with the ability to maintain close interpersonal relationships and the ability to manage the responsibilities of daily living.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=symptoms

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Fibromyalgia symptoms vary between individuals. This variability can complicate the confirmation of a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Symptoms are dependent on many factors, including stress level, amount and type of physical activity, weather and even the time of day. The associated pain of the condition is typically described as a constant dull ache that starts in the muscles and radiates throughout the entire body. Additionally, pain is experienced when firm pressure is applied to specific "tender points" throughout the body.http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-symptoms-types Tender points can include the back of the head, between shoulder blades, the top of shoulders, the front sides of neck, the upper chest, the outer elbows, the upper hips, the sides of hips and the inner knees.

Sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea have also been linked to fibromyalgia. In addition, many fibromyalgia patients may also experience Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, depression, endometriosis, headaches, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), lupus, osteoarthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder or rheumatoid arthritis.http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fibromyalgia_symptoms

While there are no lab tests that will definitively confirm a fibromyalgia diagnosis, blood tests are generally performed to rule out similar conditions.http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fibromyalgia_diagnosed These typically include a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and thyroid function tests.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

The criteria necessary for a fibromyalgia diagnosis, as established by the American College of Rheumatology are:

1. Widespread pain lasting at least three months
2. At least 11 of a possible 18 positive tender pointshttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000427.htm

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, symptoms may be alleviated with stress management and lifestyle changes. A treatment plan that includes a combination of pain-relieving medications, anti-depressants, sleep aids, education, physical therapy and counseling is most commonly recommended. Anticonvulsant medications such as Gabapentin have also proven an effective treatment for the pain associated with fibromyalgia.http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jun2007/niams-11.htm

The Food and Drug Administration has approved three medications specifically for use in the direct treatment of fibromyalgia: pregabalin (Lyrica), Cymbalta and milnacipran (Savella).http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20326413_2,00.html