Fibromyalgia (FMS), a disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and tenderness, is the second most common rheumatic condition in the United States. Fibromyalgia isn't fully understood yet , but it may be related to dysfunction of the central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord.

Although the cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, researchers believe that people with fibromyalgia may have changes in how their brain cells transmit pain signals.

People who suffer from fibromyalgia report ongoing widespread pain and tenderness in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues—basically all over the body. Symptoms can vary widely in intensity. They may include extreme fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety and depression, headaches, bowel and bladder issues, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, dizziness , cognitive dysfunction (fibro fog), appetite disturbance, sensitivity to light or sound, or other " fibromyalgia symptoms ."

FMS is diagnosed only if a patient has been experiencing symptoms at least three months. There is no test for fibromyalgia, so your doctor will take a thorough medical history and will likely perform a physical exam to check for tender points —17 specific places on the body that hurt when pressure is applied.

The condition often goes undiagnosed or is mistaken for an orthopedic injury (such as fibromyalgia pain in the ribs ), a migraine, arthritis, or other conditions.

Because fibromyalgia can mimic several other medical conditions, some patients may be misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia for years. Fibromyalgia treatment includes medications to relieve pain and improve sleep quality, physical therapy, exercise, and exposure to bright light. Interventional pain management procedures include: