Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterised by widespread pain and a number of associated problems. It is classified as nociplastic pain. It is estimated that between two and eight percent of the world’s population is affected by fibromyalgia. Women are affected three times as often as men. The disease can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 20 and 55. A clear causal factor is not known, however, some risk factors are known, of which chronic stress plays the most important role. In recent years, the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia has been linked to inflammatory, immunological, neurological, endocrine, genetic, and psychosocial factors. External risk factors include excessive physical exertion, infection, injury to the cervical spine or thorax, prolonged nocturnal noise, discontinuation of corticosteroids and certain mental disorders. Pain is the most common symptom. Itis chronic, sharp, of different qualities (burning, sharp, aching) and spreads to different parts of the body. Other symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, morning stiffness, headaches, memory and concentration problems, problems with the urinary tract and digestive system, allergic manifestations, hypersensitivity and anxiety. Fibromyalgia is known to cause excessive excitability of the peripheral and central nervous system. Hyperalgesia and allodynia occur due to the reduced pain threshold. A patient questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Association of Rheumatology (ACR 2016) helps us with the diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is confirmed if the pain has been present for at least three months in at least four out of five body regions. In recent years, several approaches have been developed for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, including the analysis of genetic, epigenetic, and serological biomarkers. There is no specific therapy. The treatment aims to relieve the pain. A personalised, holistic approach is required that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.
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