What happens in fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive problems, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. It is a non-inflammatory, non-autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system's processing of pain signals, leading to a heightened perception of pain . The syndrome affects individuals of various age groups, sexes, and socio-cultural backgrounds, with an estimated prevalence of 2-5% in the Western population. Women are more frequently diagnosed with fibromyalgia than men . The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia involves a complex interplay of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Central sensitization, characterized by the dysfunction of neuro-circuits involved in the perception, transmission, and processing of nociceptive stimuli, plays a crucial role. Genetic research has shown familial aggregation of fibromyalgia and related disorders, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Additionally, exposure to physical or psychological stressors can influence the onset and severity of the condition. Fibromyalgia's impact on quality of life is profound, affecting physical, psychological, and social spheres. Patients often experience a reduction in quality of life, with symptoms leading to sedentary behavior, functional difficulties, and various physical disabilities. The condition is also associated with comorbidities such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. Diagnosis is challenging due to the absence of specific organic damage and relies on patient history and tender point examination. Treatment focuses on a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating nonpharmacologic interventions and medications like duloxetine, milnacipran, pregabalin, and amitriptyline, which have shown potential benefits . However, conventional medical therapies often provide limited benefits, leading many patients to explore complementary medicine.
Answers from top 9 papers
| Papers (9) | Insight |
|---|---|
| Fibromyalgia involves widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, and sleep disturbances. Flares can vary in intensity and symptoms, impacting daily activities and quality of life. | |
| Fibromyalgia involves chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, insomnia, cognitive issues, depression, anxiety, and comorbidities like irritable bowel syndrome. It impacts physical, psychological, social functioning, and quality of life. | |
| Fibromyalgia involves chronic widespread pain, likely underrecognized in older individuals, associated with reduced quality of life. Treatments focus on nonpharmacologic interventions due to modest medication benefits and potential adverse effects. | |
94 Citations | Fibromyalgia involves chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, central sensitization dysfunction, and potential links to inflammatory, immune, genetic, and psychosocial factors, with a higher prevalence in women. |
| Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain, poor sleep, fatigue, cognitive issues, and mood disturbances. It affects 2% of the US population, more commonly women, with various associated comorbidities. | |
| Fibromyalgia involves chronic pain, poor sleep, fatigue, cognitive issues, and mood disturbances. It is diagnosed more in women and can be managed with a multidisciplinary approach including nonpharmacologic therapies. | |
| Fibromyalgia involves chronic pain, soft tissue tenderness, muscle stiffness, insomnia, fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment. Its exact causes and mechanisms are not fully understood. | |
14 Citations | In fibromyalgia, decreased quadriceps muscle size correlates with increased fatigue and reduced quality of life. Muscle measurements are linked to disease severity and impact on daily functioning. |
| Fibromyalgia is a chronic central processing disorder causing widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, sleep issues, cognitive difficulties, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression in affected individuals. |