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Quick Facts


  • The two most common fibromyalgia symptoms are widespread chronic pain and debilitating fatigue.
  • The majority of people who have fibromyalgia are women—about 80% to 90% of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. But men and children can have fibromyalgia also.
  • Many people with fibromyalgia have memory and concentration problems. This is often referred to as "brain fog" or "fibro fog."
  • Fibromyalgia usually doesn't have just one main cause. Instead, many factors can contribute to developing this chronic pain condition, such as your genes, an injury, or trauma.
  • Being overweight or obese may trigger fibromyalgia. But maintaining a healthy weight can reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
  • Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids—which are found in foods, such as salmon, flaxseed, walnuts, and olive oil—can help reduce fibromyalgia-related pain. If you don't like these foods, you can take a fish oil supplement to boost your omega-3s.
  • Exercise is a very important part of fibromyalgia treatment. Try to incorporate aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises as part of a regular exercise program to help treat pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
  • If you have another pain condition—rheumatoid arthritis, for example—you may be more susceptible to developing fibromyalgia.
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