Fibromyalgia, additionally called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all around the body.

In addition to widespread pain, humans with fibromyalgia can also have:

● Increased sensitivity to pain
● Fatigue (intense tiredness)
● Muscle stiffness
● Trouble sleeping
● Problems with mental processes (known as "fibro-fog") – including problems with memory and attention
● Headaches
● Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a digestive condition that causes belly ache and bloating

If you think you've got fibromyalgia, go to your GP. Treatment is available to ease a number of its signs and symptoms, even though they're not going to vanish completely.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, however it is thought to be associated with atypical levels of certain chemical compounds inside the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.

In many cases, the condition seems to be brought about by a physically or emotionally stressful occasion, inclusive of:

● An injury or infection
● Giving birth
● Having an operation
● The breakdown of a relationship
● The death of a loved one