Chronic Widespread Pain and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Life-Course Risk Markers in Young People

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Pain Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• The life-course concept of risk markers is established in epidemiology but underutilized for chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
• CWP and FMS lack single causative factors, necessitating research into multifactorial origins.
• Risk marker studies are vital for patient evaluation and research in CWP and FMS.

Observation:

• An extensive literature review identified numerous early-life risk markers for CWP and FMS.
• These markers span genetic, developmental, psychosocial, and physiological domains.
• Individual resilience can mitigate the impact of these risk factors.

Findings:

• Key early-life risk markers include genetic predisposition, premature birth, female sex, and early childhood adversity.
• Cognitive, psychosocial influences, impaired sleep, and primary pain disorders are significant risk factors.
• Physical trauma, infections, obesity, inactivity, joint hypermobility, iron deficiency, and small-fiber polyneuropathy also contribute.

Implications:

• Integrating risk marker analysis into clinical practice and research can improve CWP and FMS understanding.
• Identifying these markers may facilitate early intervention and personalized treatment strategies.
• Further research into the interplay of risk markers and resilience is warranted for CWP and FMS management.