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A Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is
a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder
affecting up to 5% of the population, and for which the exact
cause is still unknown. The name fibromyalgia comes from
“fibro” meaning fibrous tissue (such as tendons and
ligaments), “my” meaning muscles, and “algia” meaning pain. It
is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain in the
muscles, ligaments and tendons – the fibrous tissues in the
body. As a chronic condition, fibromyalgia is ongoing but it
generally doesn’t worsen nor does it cause inflammation to the
muscles or internal organs. Also, fibromyalgia is definitely
not fatal. As you may be experiencing, most patients with
fibromyalgia feel like they ache all over. Muscles may feel
like they have been pulled or overworked. The muscles affected
most are in the shoulders, buttocks, neck, and lower back.
Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn.
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Aggravating factors:
 Changes in
weather
Cold or
drafty environments
Hormonal
changes during premenstrual, pregnancy, and menopausal
states
Stress,
Depression,
Anxiety
Over-exertion can all contribute to flare-ups
Periods of
cold damp weather,
At the
beginning and end of the day,
During
periods of emotional stress
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