FMS is a chronic pain disorder, with abnormalities on functional MRI (fMRI) of the brain: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-10489-1
FMS is often described,” like having (the achiness of) the flu”, or “like being hit (all over my body) with a baseball bat”, or, “like being run over by a bus”.
Often, FMS runs in families.
FMS is associated with depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or sleep disturbances.
FMS pain may flare due to: hunger, lack of sleep, stress, depression, tiredness, cold environments, muscular exertion (exercise, activities of daily living, etc.).
FMS may be treated with: antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants); muscle relaxers; sleep medications; warm showers/warm baths; gentle, warm-water exercises; improved fitness, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medicines (NSAIDS).
Charles Tadros, M.D.
January 10, 2023
Saint Louis, Missouri