What Is Fibromyalgia? Prevalence and the Key Presenting Features

Will places fibromyalgia within chronic widespread pain, which affects about 10.6% of the general population, while fibromyalgia affects roughly 2 to 5%. A survey of physiotherapists in Israel found many felt the condition clashed with their biomechanical training and traditional skills. Using a summary from the Royal College of General Practitioners, he describes the presenting features: widespread pain across four segments including both arms and both legs, fatigue not relieved by rest, non-refreshing sleep, hypersensitivity to light, sound, smells and strong flavors, symptoms lasting more than three months, poor concentration and memory, many failed treatments, and distress about the symptoms. The clinician factor is feeling overwhelmed by the number of problems described. He advises preparing before the consultation and guiding the history toward the worst problem and its daily impact, while still noting everything the patient brings. If the first appointment is spent listening and the physical examination waits until the second, that can give a better long-term outcome.