What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points.  The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro), and the Greek terms for muscle (myo) and pain (algia).  Tender points are specific places on the body - on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and upper and lower extremities - where people with FM feel pain in response to slight pressure. Although FM is often considered an arthritis-related condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis (a disease of the joints) because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles, or other tissues.  However, like arthritis, FM can cause significant pain and fatigue, and it can interfere with a person's ability to carry on daily activities. In addition to pain and fatigue, people who have fibromyalgia may experience: sleep disturbances morning joint stiffness headaches irritable bowel syndrome painful menstrual periods numbness or tingling of the extremities restless legs syndrome temperature and noise sensitivity cognitive and memory problems (sometimes called "fibro fog") a variety of other symptoms