Who Gets Fibromyalgia?

According to a paper published by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), fibromyalgia affects 3-6 million Americans. Between 80 and 90 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women, but men and children also can be affected. Most people are diagnosed during middle age, a l though the symptoms often become present earlier in life.

People with certain rheumatic diseases — such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus — may be more likely to have fibromyalgia. Several studies have indicated that women who have a family member with fibromyalgia are more likely to have it themselves.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Although the exact causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, a number of factors may be involved. Many people develop fibromyalgia in connection with stressful or traumatic events, automobile accidents, repetitive injuries or illness. For others, the condition seems to occur spontaneously with no apparent causative link.

Many researchers are examining other causes, including problems with how the central nervous system processes pain. According to this theory, people with fibromyalgia may have a genetic predisposition to react strongly to stimuli that most people would not perceive as painful.