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Fibrositis (Fibromyalgia)

Fibrositis (also called fibromyalgia) affects about 3–10% of the population, making it one of the most common rheumatic syndromes in general medicine. It shares many features with the chronic fatigue syndrome, namely, an increased frequency among women aged 20–50, absence of objective findings, and absence of diagnostic laboratory tests. While many of the clinical features of the two conditions overlap, musculoskeletal pain predominates.

The cause is unknown, but sleep disorders, depression, viral infections are possible causes.

The patient complains of chronic aching pain and stiffness, frequently involving the entire body but with prominence of pain around the neck, shoulders, low back, and hips. Fatigue, sleep disorders, subjective numbness, chronic headaches, and irritable bowel.

Patient education is of paramount importance. Patients can be comforted by the knowledge that they have a well known disorder.