Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues throughout the body. The pain is often combined with other symptoms like fatigue, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD), irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, cognitive issues, and sleep interruption. The exact cause of this painful and mysterious condition is unknown, but risk factors include traumatic injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders such as lupus and genetic factors.
Diagnosis of FMS can be difficult, as there is no specific lab test to determine if the patient has the disorder. Current guidelines state that a diagnosis can be made if a person has widespread pain for more than three months, with no underlying medical condition.
