Fibromyalgia is Fibromyalgia Syndrome, also known as Fibro, FMS or FM. Fibromyalgia is pronounced Fi - bro - my - al - gee - ah.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness characterised by chronic widespread pain, chronic fatigue, hypersensitivity to pain and sleep disturbances.

Fibromyalgia patients experience a wide range of symptoms that can wax and wane over time.

Fibromyalgia is sometimes called a chronic pain condition, a central sensitisation syndrome or even a neurological condition.

Fibromyalgia is often a devastating condition for patients and the people around them and it has been shown to have more of an impact than many other chronic pain conditions and chronic illnesses.

Who Is Affected?

Fibromyalgia can affect anyone. Although 80-90% of Fibromyalgia sufferers are women, men do get it too. And although a large proportion of Fibromyalgia sufferers are aged 35-60, anyone from children to the elderly can develop the condition.

Fibromyalgia is a surprisingly common condition: it is estimated that between 2% and 4.5% of the UK population has Fibromyalgia, although this figure has never been measured and it may be higher. That translates to between 1.2 and 2.7 million people in the UK alone.

Because of its debilitating nature, Fibromyalgia has a large impact on everyone connected with a sufferer, from family and friends to employers.

Helpful Links

FibroAction

Dr Carol McMakin

US National Fibromyalgia Association

US National Fibromyalgia
Research Association

Fibromyalgia Information Foundation

Brian Barr Solicitors