Usually (55%) gradual adult onset

55% of patients could not recall a precipitant to their symptoms

24% attribute onset of symptoms to trauma -auto accidents, surgeries

14% attribute onset to psychological factors such as "stress, emotions, family change"

Average age of onset: 29-37 years old

Average age of presentation: 34-53 years old

Course:

Once symptoms manifest they are likely to persist to some degree for the rest of the patient's life.  Articular disability does not generally occur.  Patients are likely to experience profound fatigue, stiffness, paresthesia, and subjective muscle tension chronically.  There may be periods of remission and exacerbation.  Even with optimum treatment and good initial results brief relapses are common often caused by temporary sleep disturbance.

Miscellaneous:

Fibromyalgia patients tend to remain employed and stay employed despite significant disability. Employment status was not significantly different from the national average.

In one study:

30% had to change jobs

17% had to quit work because of symptoms

44% needed help with household tasks

24% were supported by disability pension.

Prevalence:

3 to 6 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia.

In Rheumatology clinics the prevalence is from 3.7% to 20%

In general medical clinics 5.7% to 9%

92-100% Caucasian

73-88% Female

Age adjusted figures show

1% overall incidence below age 60

4% above age 60

Age range 14 -68

No information about prevalence in chiropractic offices