Fibromyalgia (FM)

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of widespread pain, aching and stiffness of muscles, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances and multiple tender points.

This syndrome was termed Fibromyalgia from the three Latin words: fiber (meaning fibrous tissue such as ligaments, tendons or fascia); myo (meaning muscle tissue)” and algia (pain). In FM the symptoms can vary from person to person.

There is no definitive biological marker or test. In addition to pain and fatigue, other symptoms include:

• Stiffness
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Headaches
• Facial / TMJ pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Difficulty concentrating (often referred to as “fibro fog” or “brain fog”)
• Hypersensitivity to the environment
• Irritable Bladder
• Chest Pain
• Dizziness and Balance Problems
• Memory Lapses
• Anxiety or Panic Disorders
• Weight Change

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain that is present above and below the waist.

What causes fibromyalgia is not well understood; however, most patients describe a physical trauma, such as a whiplash or neck injury from a car accident, as the beginning of their fibromyalgia pain.

Please see the Canadian Consensus documents for more information.