Article updated and reviewed by Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan on May 16, 2005.

Fibromyalgia, (also known as fibrositis, fibromyositis, and muscular rheumatism), is a chronic syndrome that causes pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. Muscle pain, tender points, and fatigue are the predominant symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia may occur alone or in conjunction with...