What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects 4% of the population of the United States. It commonly affects the muscles and ligaments and is usually present for years before a physician diagnoses the condition. What causes fibromyalgia? It frequently becomes evident after stressful events. The stressful events may be emotional (such as a traumatic life event), physical (such as a motor-vehicle accident), or medical (such as certain infections). The chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other autoimmune diseases can trigger the development of fibromyalgia. The manner in which the brain and spinal cord process Continue Reading