Fibromyalgia is a very common problem, affecting up to 10% of the world's population. It shows itself as pain and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments, joints and connective tissues. Muscular pain is often similar to conditions which occur as a result of injury or muscle overuse. Tenderness in the muscles and tendons which are painful to touch are known as ‘trigger points’.
Pain may be chronic or intermittent and to qualify for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia it must have been present for at least three months.
Fibromyalgia is also often associated with chronic fatigue, headaches and disturbed sleep.