More than 6-million people in the U.S. have fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and the condition is found in all cultures around the globe. Anyone can get it, but some people are more at risk.
What are risk factors?
- Gender:
While both men and women can develop FMS, between 80 and 90% of people diagnosed with it are women. Experts don't know why that is, but some believe it could be tied to hormonal differences. Others suspect men are less likely to seek treatment, and therefore are not diagnosed as frequently as women. - Age:
An FMS diagnosis is most common in people between 20 and 55, and women typically develop it during their childbearing years. However, older people also can develop the condition. Children can, but rarely do. - Genetics:
Research shows that women closely related to a fibromyalgia sufferer are more likely to develop FMS themselves. This could indicate a genetic defect that predisposes some people from the beginning. - Sleep Disorders:
Some experts say sleep disorders could be a root cause of fibromyalgia. Many sufferers have a long history of sleep problems, and people diagnosed with disorders such as sleep apnea may be at increased risk. - Stress:
People coming from stressful environments or who are particularly vulnerable to stress develop FMS more frequently that those impacted less by stress. Studies have suggested that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic stress may play a strong role in the development of fibromyalgia. High stress levels are also known to trigger flare-ups in many people with FMS. - Other chronic-pain conditions:
People with lupus, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis) are at increased risk for developing FMS, possibly because their chronic pain causes sensitization of the central nervous system, which is believed to be the cause of FMS pain.
Lowering Your Risk
You certainly can't do much to mitigate most of those risk factors. However, if you feel you're at risk you can work to effectively lower or manage stress. You may also lower your risk (and improve your life) by getting proper medical treatment for sleep disorders, emotional trauma in your past, or PTSD.
Sources:
2007 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved. "Fibromyalgia"
2002 - 2007 Hearthstone Communications Ltd. All rights reserved. "Who Gets Fibromyalgia?"
