The word fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments or tendons.
Syndrome means a set of symptoms that occur together.
FMS affects three to six million Americans, and is six to eight times more common in women than in men. Because the pain and symptoms of FMS are not visible, it may be underdiagnosed. FMS is not a form of arthritis, although the symptoms may be similar. FMS is a chronic condition that affects all areas of life and can be very disabling. The cause of FMS is currently not known.