Living With Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. (Mayo Clinic)
People with fibromyalgia often describe their symptoms as a flu-like infection that doesn’t go away. It leaves you exhausted and unable to think or find the right words (symptoms of fibro fog).3 With fibromyalgia, you have trouble sleeping and wake up stiff and achy.4 Your symptoms can be debilitating and you probably feel as though you have to push yourself to get anything done.5,6 (Fibromyalgia Network)
Fibromyalgia is most common among women aged 20 to 50. (PubMed Health)
Scientists estimate that fibromyalgia affects 5 million Americans age 18 or older.1 For unknown reasons, between 80 and 90 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women; however, men and children also can be affected. Most people are diagnosed during middle age, although the symptoms often become present earlier in life. (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
Fibromyalgia Quick Facts
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Affects 3 to 5 percent of the general population7
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Occurs in people of all ages, even children
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Men develop fibromyalgia too, although more women are diagnosed with it
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Symptoms are chronic but may fluctuate throughout the day
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Roughly one-quarter of people with fibromyalgia are work-disabled4
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Three drugs are FDA-approved for fibromyalgia treatment (Fibromyalgia Network)