A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get fibromyalgia with or without the ones listed below. The chances of getting it are greater in people who have many.
This health problem is more common in women, mainly those over 40 years of age. It is also more common in people who have first degree family members who have it. Other things that may raise the risk are:
People with certain infections have a higher risk. Examples are Lyme disease and hepatitis C.
People who have had a physical trauma or injury are at higher risk.
Stress can raise the risk of this health problem. Examples are stress from illness, trauma, and life events.
Other health problems that cause pain have been linked to fibromyalgia. Some of these are:
- Painful periods, painful bladder syndrome, and endometriosis in women
- Prostatitis in men
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
References
Fibromyalgia. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia. Accessed August 11, 2020.
Fibromyalgia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/fibromyalgia . Accessed August 11, 2020.
Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Fibromyalgia/default.asp. Accessed August 11, 2020.
Macfarlane GJ, Kronisch C, et al. EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Feb;76(2):318-328.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 03/2020
- Update Date: 03/05/2021