Fibromyalgia

It is a clinical syndrome characterized by flare-ups of chronic, widespread pain — a set of signs and symptoms, not just body aches. Despite the pain in soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons), there is no inflammation in these tissues: the tender points represent a dysregulation of the pain pathways, with changes in the central nervous system.

Beyond widespread musculoskeletal pain: fatigue, sleep and cognitive disturbances, psychiatric symptoms, headache, tingling sensations, irritable bowel syndrome and pelvic, abdominal and chest wall pain — some patients are hypersensitive to weather changes, sounds and lights. It is most common in women between 30 and 60, but can occur in men and at any age, including children and adolescents ("juvenile primary fibromyalgia").

Yes. Symptoms may wax and wane throughout life, but with the correct diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of patients lead a normal, active life. In selected chronic pain cases, alternatives such as medical cannabis — always under medical guidance and in accordance with legislation — can also be part of the treatment.