Widespread muscle and joint pain can significantly disrupt daily life. When this pain persists, it may be caused by a condition called fibromyalgia. The Mayo Clinic says fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is often accompanied by fatigue and may even affect memory, mood, and sleep.

People with fibromyalgia often go through periodic symptoms known as flare-ups. Navigating fibromyalgia can sometimes be overwhelming and exhausting, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The time between feeling good and suddenly experiencing a flare-up can lead to anxiety and hopelessness.

Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes fibromyalgia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people aged 30 to 50 are more likely to develop the condition. Women, those with a family history of fibromyalgia, and individuals with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis also have a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. Doctors know that symptoms often follow a triggering event. Triggers may include surgery, infections, injuries, or emotional stress. The Cleveland Clinic states that people with fibromyalgia are usually particularly sensitive to pain. It is believed that genetic mutations responsible for forming the neurotransmitters in the brain that receive pain signals might cause fibromyalgia, although a direct link has yet to be identified.

Fibromyalgia is typically diagnosed through a physical exam, X-rays, lab tests, and an evaluation of a person’s medical history. There is no cure for fibromyalgia; healthcare providers manage symptoms with medications and therapy. People with fibromyalgia might find ways to control their symptoms on their own. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which alters how people think or act, can also help individuals cope with negative thoughts about their symptoms, says the CDC.
Researchers constantly work to understand the causes of fibromyalgia and to develop new treatment options so people can find relief.