Intended for US audience only
Fibromyalgia affects over 10 million adults in the United States, yet it remains widely underrecognized.
Fibromyalgia leaves so many people like you feeling stuck, and a lack of progress in research, support, and education may have made your struggle more isolating. Finally, we're getting closer to moving fibromyalgia forward.
You are not
alone
When you live with fibromyalgia, it’s a common experience for symptoms to take a toll on your daily life.
In studies of people with fibromyalgia:
50% experienced disruption in their employment due to their condition.*
*Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. Schaefer et al gathered results from questionnaires completed by people in the United States living with fibromyalgia.
Many had difficulty with routine activities like shopping, cleaning, or yard work.†
†Arthritis Rheum. Bigatti et al conducted a study of several hundred people diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
~50% reported that fibromyalgia pain negatively impacted personal relationships.‡
‡Nursing: Research and Reviews. Golden et al conducted a survey to document perspectives of living with fibromyalgia.
Over 50% of people with fibromyalgia reported at least 7 additional chronic conditions across a range of therapeutic areas including rheumatic, neurological and psychiatric.*†
Other mental and physical conditions can add to the weight fibromyalgia has on daily life.
Physical Health
The most common additional
physical health conditions are:*†
Chronic joint pain
Reported by
88% of people
Chronic headaches
Reported by
62% of people
Mental Health
The most common additional
mental health conditions are:*†
Depression
Reported by
75% of people
Anxiety
Reported by
57% of people
*Based on a study collecting data from Olmsted County, Minnesota. May not be generalizable to the broader US population.
†BMJ Open. Vincent et al evaluated the chronic conditions and polypharmacy of people in the United States living with fibromyalgia.
Real symptoms,
real impact
Scope of Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is more than just pain
Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects your whole body, and can cause many symptoms. The core symptoms include:
Widespread Pain
Pain felt across the body.
Fatigue
Feeling physically or mentally exhausted.
Brain Fog
Difficulty thinking clearly.
Disturbed Sleep
Trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, or feeling tired even after rest.
Over 75% of people with fibromyalgia
take multiple medications,
yet many still experience severe symptoms.
It’s not in your head, but it is in your brain
Your nervous system,
your brain, and your pain
A different type of pain
Fibromyalgia causes the central nervous system to be overly reactive, and the brain to send out pain signals even when there’s no clear reason. This can lead to pain caused by something as small as a light touch or movement. This type of altered pain processing is known as nociplastic pain.
Changes in the brain
The brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate pain and sleep. People with fibromyalgia have altered levels of these chemicals, which intensifies their pain. This can worsen common symptoms like sleep disturbance, fatigue, and brain fog.
The Symptom Vortex
Interrupting the
symptom vortex
Fibromyalgia flares might feel random, but they may actually be tied to a cycle of connected symptoms.
Understanding the science behind your symptoms can help you communicate more confidently with your doctor. Your pain isn’t in your head; it’s real, and it’s caused by real changes in your body.*†
*Nature Review Rheumatology
Sarzi-Puttini et al provide an update on fibromyalgia’s clinical characteristics and treatments.
†Biomedicines
Jones et al provide insight on updated strategies to manage fibromyalgia.
Over 90% of people with fibromyalgia experience disturbed sleep, which can lead to even more pain.
Get to know
what's available
Speak to your healthcare provider about options that may be right for you.
Take control of
what’s next
Voice Your Symptoms
The first step
forward
Take the first step towards gaining a better understanding of your symptoms with a more personalized treatment plan.
Use the Fibro Conversation Checklist to see how your symptoms are connected. Describing the full impact of your symptoms can help you get more out of your next doctor's appointment.