Who is affected by fibromyalgia

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Who is affected by fibromyalgia

Because it is difficult to diagnose and sometimes occurs with other muscle or joint diseases or chronic pain conditions, determining just how many people have fibromyalgia is difficult. However, it is estimated that 3 to 6 million people in the United States have fibromyalgia.¹

Women are affected far more often than men, although men and children also get fibromyalgia. While fibromyalgia can occur at any age, the chances of getting this disorder increase as you age. Those who are most likely to be diagnosed include:¹

• Women in their mid-30s to late 50s.
• People who also have a rheumatic condition, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Women who have another family member with fibromyalgia, although the reasons for this are not clear.

Some researchers have found a link between infectious disease, such as mononucleosis, and fibromyalgia.² The exact nature of the connection between infectious disease and fibromyalgia has not been firmly established.

References

Citations

1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) (2004). Questions and Answers About Fibromyalgia. Available online: http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/fibromyalgia/fibrofs.htm.

2. Rea T, et al. (1999). A prospective study of tender points and fibromyalgia during and after an acute viral infection. Archives of Internal Medicine, 159(8): 865–870.

Credits

Last updated:	November 10, 2005
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Benjamin Natelson, MD - Neurology, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Michele Cronen