Fibromyalgia: the commonest cause of widespread pain

FM affects approximately six million Americans, four million are women. It is a chronic muscle pain syndrome with poorly understood associations with many other conditions. Although there is no distinctive pathophysiological basis for the syndrome, these patients are readily recognized by their history of widespread body pain and multiple tender-point areas. Failure to recognize these patients results in much frustration, both in the physician and in the patient, and often results in unnecessary investigations. Treatment of FM patients has to be individualistic and demands a holistic approach; this requires time, empathy, and interaction with other specialists. Providing effective treatment to these patients is a true test of a physician's skill.