Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic pain disorder that predominantly affects women. It belongs to the group of rheumatic disorders of the soft tissues, and is characterised by widespread chronic pain, cognitive and affective disturbances and fatigue. The etiology and pathogenesis of fibromyalgia is uncertain. Genetic studies suggest an association with polymorphisms in serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic pathways involved in pain transmission and modulation. The disease is likely expressed in the presence of environmental trigger, which lead to expression of multiple genes that amplify pain perception in the pain processing pathway. Although there is no ultimate cure for fibromyalgia, some medications can alleviate symptoms of the disease.