Fibromyalgia is a common chronic widespread pain condition that is estimated to affect 1.1 million Canadians that was officially recognized by the World Health Organization in 1992.
Fibromyalgia is a real chronic pain condition with official criteria for diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia affects people of all ages, cultures and both sexes, but occurs more frequently in women between the ages of 40 and 60. In Canada it is estimated that 4.9% of women and 1.6% of men are living with fibromyalgia, which translates into approximately 1.1 million people.
People with fibromyalgia experience a broad range of symptoms, many of which can even mimic other conditions. The single most important symptom described by all fibromyalgia patients is widespread muscle pain that lasts longer than three months and is often severe enough to make everyday activities difficult.
Fortunately, awareness is growing about fibromyalgia, its many symptoms and its impact on patients and their families. Healthcare professionals are more informed about the condition, making diagnosis and pain management easier, and ongoing research is being conducted into the causes and treatments.
