Fibromyalgia Complications

Fibromyalgia symptoms may wax and wane, but the disorder does not tend to worsen over time. However, it can disrupt patients’ lives and is associated with several other diseases.

Disability/Lifestyle Disruption

According to one survey, roughly a quarter of all fibromyalgia sufferers receive disability benefits because they are unable to work. Even if a patient is able to work, fibromyalgia symptoms may reduce productivity at work, which can lower quality of life. Pain and other symptoms can also cause anxiety and stress, and reduce enjoyment of life.

Related Diseases

There are many health problems known to be more common in people with fibromyalgia than in the general population. It is not known if fibromyalgia causes these diseases, if they cause fibromyalgia, or if there is some other explanation.

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Irritable bowel disorder
• Migraine
• Tension headaches
• Depression
• Endometriosis
• Lupus
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Restless legs syndrome