Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, and the causes are unknown. Nevertheless, it’s a real condition, not imagined.

Some people may not think fibromyalgia is a “real” condition and might believe symptoms are imagined.

There are many doctors who recognize fibromyalgia, although it can’t be recognized by diagnostic testing. They’ll work with you to find a treatment to reduce your symptoms.

It’s estimated that 10 million Americans live with it. The disease can affect anyone including children but it’s more common in adults. Women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia more often than men.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. It’s believed that people who have this condition process pain differently, and that the way their brains recognize pain signals makes them overly sensitive to touch and other stimuli.

A number of recent studies have shown increased inflammation among fibromyalgia patients, particularly inflammation of the peripheral and central nervous systems. There is building support for the role of neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia through:

  • gut microbiota
  • proinflammatory cytokines
  • immune dysregulation
  • ion-channels

However, more research is needed to confirm this connections.

Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging. You may experience pain and fatigue that interferes with daily activity. But yet your family, friends, and even your doctor may not appreciate the level of your concerns.

Some people believe fibromyalgia is a new condition, but it has existed for centuries.

It was once considered a mental disorder. But in the early 1800s, it was classified as a rheumatic disorder that caused stiffness, pain, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

Fibromyalgia tender points were discovered in the early 1820s, though they are no longer used as a diagnostic tool. The condition was initially called fibrositis because many doctors believed pain was caused by inflammation at the sites of pain.

It wasn’t until 1976 that the condition was renamed fibromyalgia. The name was derived from the Latin word “fibro” (fibrosis tissue), and the Greek terms for “myo” (muscle) and “algia” (pain).

In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia. The first prescription medication to treat it became available in 2007.

As of 2019, the International Diagnostic Criteria for fibromyalgia includes:

  • a history of 3 months of pain in 6 of 9 general areas
  • moderate sleep disturbance
  • fatigue

There’s currently no diagnostic test to confirm fibromyalgia. Doctors diagnose it after ruling out other conditions.

Having widespread pain, sleep problems, and fatigue doesn’t automatically mean you have fibromyalgia.

A doctor only makes a diagnosis if your symptoms match the criteria established by the 2019 International Diagnostic Criteria. To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you must have widespread pain and other symptoms that last for 3 months or longer.

Pain typically occurs in the same spot on both sides of the body. Also, people living with fibromyalgia may have up to 18 tender points over their body that are painful when pressed.

Doctors aren’t required to conduct a tender points exam when making a fibromyalgia diagnosis. But your doctor may check these specific points during a physical exam.

Road to diagnosis

Despite there being plenty of resources and information on fibromyalgia, some doctors still aren’t as knowledgeable about the condition.

After completing a series of tests with no diagnosis, a doctor may wrongly conclude that your symptoms aren’t real, or blame them on depression, stress, or anxiety.

Don’t give up in your search for an answer if a doctor dismisses your symptoms.

It can still take on average more than 2 years to receive a proper diagnosis of fibromyalgia. But you can get an answer more quickly by working with a doctor who understands the condition, like a rheumatologist.

A rheumatologist knows how to treat conditions that affect the joints, tissues, and muscles.

Fibromyalgia is a real condition that can interfere with daily activities. The condition can be chronic, so once you develop symptoms, they may continue.

While fibromyalgia doesn’t damage your joints, muscles, or tissues, it can still be extremely painful and challenging. It’s not life-threatening, but can be life-altering.

Seek medical attention if you experience widespread pain that lasts for more than 3 months. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can cope with the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve your quality of life.