Understanding Fibromyalgia

What You Should Know

Living with daily pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia can really affect how you feel and go about your day. However, even though some people may not fully understand this condition, there are ways to get help and manage it better.

Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting condition that causes pain in your muscles and bones, tenderness, tiredness, and trouble sleeping or thinking clearly. This condition can be confusing and difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other health problems and there isn’t a specific test to confirm it. Because of this, fibromyalgia is sometimes diagnosed incorrectly. In the past, some doctors even doubted if fibromyalgia was a real condition, but now it is much better understood.

Around 4 million adults in the United States, about 2 percent of the population, have fibromyalgia. This condition is more commonly diagnosed in women and usually starts in middle age, though it can also affect children.

While there used to be more misunderstandings about fibromyalgia, it’s still tough to treat. However, medications, therapy, and changes in daily habits can help you manage the symptoms and improve your life.

There may be times when your pain and fatigue lessen, offering periods of relief.