Symptoms include:

• Widespread (occurring on both sides of body, above and below the waist)
• Constant, dull pain
• Fatigue
• Cognitive difficulties (a.k.a. “Fibro fog”, impaired focus, attention, concentration)
• Muscle stiffness
• Sleep disorders (insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

There is no specific lab test that can confirm a diagnosis. However, a physician can review medical history and perform a physical examination among other blood tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. These tests include:

• Complete blood count
• Cyclic citrullinated peptide test
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Rheumatoid factor
• Thyroid function tests

Common forms of Fibromyalgia pain include:

• Abdominal pain
• Allodynia
• Headaches
• Hyperalgesia
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Paresthesia

There is no known specific cause, but it likely is related to several factors working in conjunction. These include:

• Anxiety or depression
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Genetics
• Infection
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Physical trauma
• Stress
• Surgery
• Tension headaches

• Fibromyalgia is chronic and often lasts a lifetime.
• More women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia than men.
• The risk of developing fibromyalgia is higher if a family member has it.
• There is no specific lab test that can confirm a diagnosis.
• People with osteoarthritis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have fibromyalgia.