For many years it was called by different names, including chronic rheumatism, myalgia, and fibrositis.
Most physicians lack the training to diagnose and treat it.
Diseases have known causes and well-understood mechanisms for producing symptoms. FMS is a syndrome, which means it is a specific set of signs and symptoms that occur together. This does not mean fibromyalgia is any less serious or potentially disabling than a disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other serious afflictions are also syndromes. Laboratory tests for fibromyalgia are valid only to rule out other conditions.