Fibromyalgia, FM, is a chronic illness that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping. People with FM do not experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), as seen in ME and Long-COVID. 

Fibro  = Fibrous tissue
My = Muscle

Algia = Pain

FM symptoms, such as chronic pain, sleep and/or cognitive dysfunction, can result in disability from work-life and/or activities of daily living. Also, like ME and Long-COVID, FM greatly impacts quality of life.  

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FM pain can vary from person to person. Pain can also vary in location and intensity on a daily or hourly basis. 

FM can affect children and adults. However, most people are diagnosed mid-life. FM often occurs after a significant event, such as severe illness or infection, physical trauma (such as surgery or a car accident), or significant psychological stress.

In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.