Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is an illness that causes widespread muscle pain, tender points, poor sleep, and fatigue. Fibromyalgia symptoms are not restricted to pain, leading to the use of the alternative term fibromyalgia syndrome for the condition. It is called a syndrome because it is a collection of symptoms rather than an actual disease. The cause of FMS is not clear, and it can be hard to diagnose and treat. FMS can affect every aspect of your life – your family, work, and social life.

There are many treatment options that can help you cope with FMS pain and have a higher quality of life. You may have to use one or a combination of treatments including exercise, medication, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Also, learning all you can about FMS is an important part of coping with your symptoms. Work together with your health care provider to find the best treatment for you.

Fibromyalgia occurs in about 2 percent of the population in the United States. Women are much more likely to develop the disorder than are men, and the risk of fibromyalgia increases with age. Fibromyalgia symptoms often begin after a physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases there appears to be no triggering event.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain.

Fibromyalgia symptoms include chronic pain in the muscles, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points or trigger points at certain parts of the body. Fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms can be relieved through medications, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other fibromyalgia treatment.