The cause of fibromyalgia (FM) is unknown but theories pointing toward abnormal hypothalamic pituitary axis function or dysfunction of neurotransmitter pathways in the brain are currently popular.

Several studies have demonstrated different abnormalities in central nervous system functioning. Abnormal sleep studies showing alpha intrusion during delta (stage 4) sleep and a reduction of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have been seen. In addition, abnormal SPECT scans have suggested lower blood flow to the thalamus and caudate nucleus in the brains of fibromyalgia patients.

Approximately 2 percent of the population has fibromyalgia. About 80 percent of patients with fibromyalgia are women. While fibromyalgia may occur as a primary condition, it is also a secondary condition, occurring in as many as 30 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients with fibromyalgia complain of generalized pain affecting both sides of the body and both the upper as well as lower part of the body.

Pain tends to be aggravated by weather changes as well as by stress.

While patients will complain of subjective joint swelling, objective swelling is absent.

Sleep disturbance occurs in almost all patients. Complaints of chronic fatigue and non restorative sleep (feeling as if they haven