Fibromyalgia risk factors: who is more likely to get it

What fibromyalgia is

Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping. Scientists do not fully understand what causes it, but people with the disorder have an increased sensitivity to pain (NIAMS). There is no cure, but treatments can help with the symptoms (MedlinePlus).

There is no score or calculator on this page; the factors below are the ones NIAMS and MedlinePlus name.

Who is more likely to get fibromyalgia

Anyone can get fibromyalgia, and it occurs in people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds (NIAMS). It is more common in:

• Women. More women get it than men (NIAMS); MedlinePlus says women are twice as likely to have it (MedlinePlus).
• Middle age and older. It can affect people of any age, even children, but it usually starts in middle age, and the chance of having it increases as you get older (NIAMS) (MedlinePlus).
• Family history. Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, and some scientists believe certain genes could make you more likely to develop it. It also occurs in people with no family history (NIAMS) (MedlinePlus).
• Other diseases. People with other diseases, especially rheumatic diseases, mood disorders or conditions that cause pain, may be more likely to have fibromyalgia. NIAMS names rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, depression or anxiety, chronic back pain and irritable bowel syndrome (NIAMS). See rheumatoid arthritis risk factors, lupus risk factors and depression risk factors.

What may cause it

The cause is not known. Studies show that people with fibromyalgia have an increased sensitivity to pain, so they feel pain when others do not, and brain imaging and other research have found altered signaling in the nerve pathways that carry pain (NIAMS). Genetic factors likely contribute, but little is known for sure about the specific genes. Researchers believe environmental (nongenetic) factors also play a role; these triggers may include a disease that causes pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression (NIAMS).

Symptoms

The main symptoms are chronic, widespread pain throughout the body or in multiple areas, often described as aching, burning or throbbing; fatigue or an overwhelming feeling of being tired; and trouble sleeping (NIAMS). Other symptoms may include (NIAMS):

• Muscle and joint stiffness
• Tenderness to touch
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
• Problems with concentrating, thinking clearly and memory (sometimes called "fibro fog")
• Increased sensitivity to light, noise, odors and temperature
• Digestive issues, such as bloating or constipation

People with fibromyalgia are also more likely to have anxiety, depression, headaches including migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and pain in the face or jaw, including temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) (MedlinePlus).

How it is diagnosed

Fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose, and it sometimes takes visits to several providers. There is no specific test, and pain and fatigue are common in many other conditions, so providers rule out other causes first. Your provider will take your medical history, do a physical exam, and may order x-rays and blood tests to rule out other conditions (MedlinePlus).

Treatment

Treatment typically combines exercise or other movement therapies, psychological and behavioral therapy, and medicines (NIAMS). MedlinePlus lists certain antidepressants and anti-seizure medicines that may help with pain or sleep, pain relievers, lifestyle changes (enough sleep, regular physical activity started slowly, managing stress, pacing yourself), talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and complementary therapies; for complementary therapies, more studies are needed and you should check with your provider first (MedlinePlus).

Common questions

Is fibromyalgia genetic?

It tends to run in families, so genes likely play a role, but little is known about the specific genes and it also occurs in people with no family history (NIAMS).

Who gets fibromyalgia most often?

Women and middle-aged people, people with a family member who has it, and people with certain diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis (MedlinePlus).

Is there a test for fibromyalgia?

No specific test. Providers use your history and a physical exam, and may order x-rays and blood tests to rule out other conditions (MedlinePlus).