Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Chronic Widespread Pain and Fibromyalgia Syndrome

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability Disorders in the Workplace

Part of the book series: Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability ((SHHDW))

Abstract

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is defined as musculoskeletal pain in multiple locations that represents generalized body pain. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a subset of CWP, characterized with CWP, hyperalgesia, and a host of other functional and mood disturbances, such as fatigue, poor sleep, cognitive problems, depression, and anxiety (Wolfe et al., 1990). Conventionally, CWP and FMS have been treated as overlapping yet somewhat separate illness entities, resulting in two lines of research literature. In this chapter, we will provide a critical review on the disability issues of people with CWP, which include people with FMS. We will include information from research investigating FMS, CWP, or both. Thus, it will be helpful to first present how each condition is conceptualized and assessed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 259.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abusdal, U. G., Hagen, K. B., & Bjorndal, A. (1997). Self-reported chronic muscle pain among women in Oslo. Tidsskrift for den Norske Lægeforening, 117(11), 1606–1610.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Adler, G. K., Kinsley, B. T., Hurwitz, S., Mossey, C. J., & Goldenberg, D. L. (1999). Reduced hypothalamic-pituitary and sympathoadrenal responses to hypoglycemia in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. American Journal of Medicine, 106(5), 534–543.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Allaf, A. W. (2007). Work disability and health system utilization in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 13(4), 199–201.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Obaidi, S. M., Nelson, R. M., Al-Awadhi, S., & Al-Shuwaie, N. (2000). The role of anticipation and fear of pain in the persistence of avoidance behavior in patients with chronic low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 25(9), 1126–1131.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amris, K., Waehrens, E. E., Jespersen, A., Bliddal, H., & Danneskiold-Samsoe, B. (2011). Observation-based assessment of functional ability in patients with chronic widespread pain: A cross-sectional study. Pain, 152(11), 2470–2476.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arnold, L. M., Keck, P. E., Jr., & Welge, J. A. (2000). Antidepressant treatment of fibromyalgia. A meta-analysis and review. Psychosomatics, 41(2), 104–113.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arnold, L. M., Russell, I. J., Diri, E. W., Duan, W. R., Young, J. P., Jr., Sharma, U., et al. (2008). A 14-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled monotherapy trial of pregabalin in patients with fibromyalgia. The Journal of Pain, 9(9), 792–805.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arroyo, J. F., & Cohen, M. L. (1993). Abnormal responses to electrocutaneous stimulation in fibromyalgia [see comments]. Journal of Rheumatology, 20(11), 1925–1931.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Assefi, N. P., Coy, T. V., Uslan, D., Smith, W. R., & Buchwald, D. (2003). Financial, occupational, and personal consequences of disability in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia compared to other fatiguing conditions. Journal of Rheumatology, 30(4), 804–808.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bengtsson, A., & Henriksson, K. G. (1989). The muscle in fibromyalgia–A review of Swedish studies. Journal of Rheumatology. Supplement, 19, 144–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, R. M., Cook, D. M., Clark, S. R., Burckhardt, C. S., & Campbell, S. M. (1997). Hypothalamic-pituitary-insulin-like growth factor-I axis dysfunction in patients with fibromyalgia. Journal of Rheumatology, 24(7), 1384–1389.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, R. M., Jones, J., Turk, D. C., Russell, I. J., & Matallana, L. (2007). An internet survey of 2,596 people with fibromyalgia. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 8, 27.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berger, A., Dukes, E., Martin, S., Edelsberg, J., & Oster, G. (2007). Characteristics and healthcare costs of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 61(9), 1498–1508.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bergman, S., Herrstrom, P., Hogstrom, K., Petersson, I. F., Svensson, B., & Jacobsson, L. T. (2001). Chronic musculoskeletal pain, prevalence rates, and sociodemographic associations in a Swedish population study. Journal of Rheumatology, 28(6), 1369–1377.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bombardier, C. H., & Buchwald, D. (1996). Chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Disability and health-care use. Medical Care, 34(9), 924–930.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burckhardt, C. S., Clark, S. R., & Bennett, R. M. (1991). The fibromyalgia impact questionnaire: Development and validation. Journal of Rheumatology, 18(5), 728–733.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burckhardt, C. S., Clark, S. R., & Bennett, R. M. (1993). Fibromyalgia and quality of life: A comparative analysis. Journal of Rheumatology, 20(3), 475–479.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buskila, D., Abramov, G., Biton, A., & Neumann, L. (2000). The prevalence of pain complaints in a general population in Israel and its implications for utilization of health services. Journal of Rheumatology, 27(6), 1521–1525.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buskila, D., Neumann, L., Odes, L. R., Schleifer, E., Depsames, R., & Abu-Shakra, M. (2001). The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and fibromyalgia in patients hospitalized on internal medicine wards. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 30(6), 411–417.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cardol, M., de Jong, B. A., van den Bos, G. A., Beelem, A., de Groot, I. J., & de Haan, R. J. (2002). Beyond disability: Perceived participation in people with a chronic disabling condition. Clinical Rehabilitation, 16(1), 27–35.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chandran, A., Schaefer, C., Ryan, K., Baik, R., McNett, M., & Zlateva, G. (2012). The comparative economic burden of mild, moderate, and severe fibromyalgia: Results from a retrospective chart review and cross-sectional survey of working-age U.S. adults. Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy, 18(6), 415–426.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clauw, D. J. (2008). Pharmacotherapy for patients with fibromyalgia. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(Suppl 2), 25–29.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clauw, D. J., Arnold, L. M., & McCarberg, B. H. (2011). The science of fibromyalgia. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 86(9), 907–911.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clauw, D. J., & Crofford, L. J. (2003). Chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: What we know, and what we need to know. Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology, 17(4), 685–701.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, H., Neumann, L., Shore, M., Amir, M., Cassuto, Y., & Buskila, D. (2000). Autonomic dysfunction in patients with fibromyalgia: Application of power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 29(4), 217–227.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crofford, L. J., Pillemer, S. R., Kalogeras, K. T., Cash, J. M., Michelson, D., Kling, M. A., et al. (1994). Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis perturbations in patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 37(11), 1583–1592.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Croft, P., Rigby, A. S., Boswell, R., Schollum, J., & Silman, A. (1993). The prevalence of chronic widespread pain in the general population. Journal of Rheumatology, 20(4), 710–713.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • de Gier, M., Peters, M. L., & Vlaeyen, J. W. (2003). Fear of pain, physical performance, and attentional processes in patients with fibromyalgia. Pain, 104(1–2), 121–130.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Girolama, G. (1991). Epidemiology and social costs of low back pain and fibromyalgia. Clinical Journal of Pain, 7(Suppl 1), S1–S7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Di Franco, M., Iannuccelli, C., & Valesini, G. (2010). Neuroendocrine immunology of fibromyalgia. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1193, 84–90.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dobkin, P. L., De Civita, M., Abrahamowicz, M., Bernatsky, S., Schulz, J., Sewitch, M., et al. (2003). Patient-physician discordance in fibromyalgia. Journal of Rheumatology, 30(6), 1326–1334.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Drewes, A. M., Andreasen, A., Schroder, H. D., Hogsaa, B., & Jennum, P. (1993). Pathology of skeletal muscle in fibromyalgia: A histo-immuno-chemical and ultrastructural study. British Journal of Rheumatology, 32(6), 479–483.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Durette, M. R., Rodriquez, A. A., Agre, J. C., & Silverman, J. L. (1991). Needle electromyographic evaluation of patients with myofascial or fibromyalgic pain. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 70(3), 154–156.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ejlertsson, G., Eden, L., & Leden, I. (2002). Predictors of positive health in disability pensioners: A population-based questionnaire study using Positive Odds Ratio. BMC Public Health, 2, 20.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elam, M., Johansson, G., & Wallin, B. G. (1992). Do patients with primary fibromyalgia have an altered muscle sympathetic nerve activity? Pain, 48(3), 371–375.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ernberg, M., Voog, U., Alstergren, P., Lundeberg, T., & Kopp, S. (2000). Plasma and serum serotonin levels and their relationship to orofacial pain and anxiety in fibromyalgia. Journal of Orofacial Pain, 14(1), 37–46.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Forman-Hoffman, V. L., Peloso, P. M., Black, D. W., Woolson, R. F., Letuchy, E. M., & Doebbeling, B. N. (2007). Chronic widespread pain in veterans of the first Gulf War: Impact of deployment status and associated health effects. The Journal of Pain, 8(12), 954–961.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Forseth, K. O., & Gran, J. T. (1992). The prevalence of fibromyalgia among women aged 20–49 years in Arendal, Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 21(2), 74–78.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gadalla, T. (2008). Association of comorbid mood disorders and chronic illness with disability and quality of life in Ontario, Canada. Chronic Diseases in Canada, 28(4), 148–154.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Geisser, M. E., Palmer, R. H., Gendreau, R. M., Wang, Y., & Clauw, D. J. (2010). A pooled analysis of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of milnacipran monotherapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Pain Practice, 11(2), 120–131.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerdle, B., Bjork, J., Coster, L., Henriksson, K., Henriksson, C., & Bengtsson, A. (2008). Prevalence of widespread pain and associations with work status: A population study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9, 102.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, S. J., Littlejohn, G. O., Gorman, M. M., Helme, R. D., & Granges, G. (1994). Altered heat pain thresholds and cerebral event-related potentials following painful CO2 laser stimulation in subjects with fibromyalgia syndrome. Pain, 58(2), 185–193.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldenberg, D. L. (1999). Fibromyalgia syndrome a decade later: What have we learned? Archives of Internal Medicine, 159(8), 777–785.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gowers, W. (1904). Lumbago: Its lessons and analogues. British Medical Journal, 1, 117–121.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gracely, R. H., Petzke, F., Wolf, J. M., & Clauw, D. J. (2002). Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence of augmented pain processing in fibromyalgia. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 46(5), 1333–1343.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamaty, D., Valentine, J. L., Howard, R., Howard, C. W., Wakefield, V., & Patten, M. S. (1989). The plasma endorphin, prostaglandin and catecholamine profile of patients with fibrositis treated with cyclobenzaprine and placebo: A 5-month study. Journal of Rheumatology. Supplement, 19, 164–168.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardt, J., Jacobsen, C., Goldberg, J., Nickel, R., & Buchwald, D. (2008). Prevalence of chronic pain in a representative sample in the United States. Pain Medicine, 9(7), 803–812.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hassett, A. L., & Williams, D. A. (2011). Non-pharmacological treatment of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology, 25(2), 299–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawley, D. J., Wolfe, F., & Cathey, M. A. (1988). Pain, functional disability, and psychological status: A 12-month study of severity in fibromyalgia. Journal of Rheumatology, 15(10), 1551–1556.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heikkila, S., Ronni, S., Kautiainen, H. J., & Kauppi, M. J. (2002). Functional impairment in spondyloarthropathy and fibromyalgia. Journal of Rheumatology, 29(7), 1415–1419.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Helmer, D. A., Chandler, H. K., Quigley, K. S., Blatt, M., Teichman, R., & Lange, G. (2009). Chronic widespread pain, mental health, and physical role function in OEF/OIF veterans. Pain Medicine, 10(7), 1174–1182.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Henriksson, C., & Liedberg, G. (2000). Factors of importance for work disability in women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Rheumatology, 27(5), 1271–1276.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hidding, A., van Santen, M., De Klerk, E., Gielen, X., Boers, M., Geenen, R., et al. (1994). Comparison between self-report measures and clinical observations of functional disability in ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Journal of Rheumatology, 21(5), 818–823.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Howard, K. J., Mayer, T. G., Neblett, R., Perez, Y., Cohen, H., & Gatchel, R. J. (2010). Fibromyalgia syndrome in chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders: Prevalence, risk factors, and posttreatment outcomes. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 52(12), 1186–1191.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, I. M., Silman, A. J., Benjamin, S., McBeth, J., & Macfarlane, G. J. (1999). The prevalence and associated features of chronic widespread pain in the community using the ‘Manchester’ definition of chronic widespread pain. Rheumatology (Oxford), 38(3), 275–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobsen, S., & Holm, B. (1992). Muscle strength and endurance compared to aerobic capacity in primary fibromyalgia syndrome. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 10(4), 419–420.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Julien, N., Goffaux, P., Arsenault, P., & Marchand, S. (2005). Widespread pain in fibromyalgia is related to a deficit of endogenous pain inhibition. Pain, 114(1–2), 295–302.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kadetoff, D., & Kosek, E. (2010). Evidence of reduced sympatho-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary activity during static muscular work in patients with fibromyalgia. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 42(8), 765–772.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kato, K., Sullivan, P. F., Evengard, B., & Pedersen, N. L. (2006). Chronic widespread pain and its comorbidities: A population-based study. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(15), 1649–1654.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Katz, R. S., Wolfe, F., & Michaud, K. (2006). Fibromyalgia diagnosis: A comparison of clinical, survey, and American College of Rheumatology criteria. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 54(1), 169–176.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kleinman, N., Harnett, J., Melkonian, A., Lynch, W., Kaplan-Machlis, B., & Silverman, S. L. (2009). Burden of fibromyalgia and comparisons with osteoarthritis in the workforce. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 51(12), 1384–1393.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kosek, E., & Hansson, P. (1997). Modulatory influence on somatosensory perception from vibration and heterotopic noxious conditioning stimulation (HNCS) in fibromyalgia patients and healthy subjects. Pain, 70(1), 41–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kraft, G. H., Johnson, E. W., & LaBan, M. M. (1968). The fibrositis syndrome. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 49(3), 155–162.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kurtze, N., Gundersen, K. T., & Svebak, S. (1999). Quality of life, functional disability and lifestyle among subgroups of fibromyalgia patients: The significance of anxiety and depression. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 72(Pt 4), 471–484.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lautenbacher, S., Rollman, G. B., & McCain, G. A. (1994). Multi-method assessment of experimental and clinical pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Pain, 59(1), 45–53.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lawrence, R. C., Felson, D. T., Helmick, C. G., Arnold, L. M., Choi, H., Deyo, R. A., et al. (2008). Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States. Part II. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 58(1), 26–35.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lemstra, M., & Olszynski, W. P. (2005). The effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Journal of Pain, 21(2), 166–174.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lerma, C., Martinez, A., Ruiz, N., Vargas, A., Infante, O., & Martinez-Lavin, M. (2011). Nocturnal heart rate variability parameters as potential fibromyalgia biomarker: Correlation with symptoms severity. Arthritis Research and Therapy, 13(6), R185.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liedberg, G. M., & Henriksson, C. M. (2002). Factors of importance for work disability in women with fibromyalgia: An interview study. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 47(3), 266–274.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Light, A. R., Bateman, L., Jo, D., Hughen, R. W., Vanhaitsma, T. A., White, A. T., et al. (2012). Gene expression alterations at baseline and following moderate exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome. Journal of Internal Medicine, 271(1), 64–81.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Light, A. R., White, A. T., Hughen, R. W., & Light, K. C. (2009). Moderate exercise increases expression for sensory, adrenergic, and immune genes in chronic fatigue syndrome patients but not in normal subjects. The Journal of Pain, 10(10), 1099–1112.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lindell, L., Bergman, S., Petersson, I. F., Jacobsson, L. T., & Herrstrom, P. (2000). Prevalence of fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 18(3), 149–153.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Loevinger, B. L., Muller, D., Alonso, C., & Coe, C. L. (2007). Metabolic syndrome in women with chronic pain. Metabolism, 56(1), 87–93.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lundberg, G., & Gerdle, B. (2002). Tender point scores and their relations to signs of mobility, symptoms, and disability in female home care personnel and the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome. Journal of Rheumatology, 29(3), 603–613.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MacFarlane, G. J., Croft, P. R., Schollum, J., & Silman, A. J. (1996). Widespread pain: Is an improved classification possible? Journal of Rheumatology, 23(9), 1628–1632.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malt, E. A., Olafsson, S., Aakvaag, A., Lund, A., & Ursin, H. (2003). Altered dopamine D2 receptor function in fibromyalgia patients: A neuroendocrine study with buspirone in women with fibromyalgia compared to female population based controls. Journal of Affective Disorders, 75(1), 77–82.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mannerkorpi, K., Burckhardt, C. S., & Bjelle, A. (1994). Physical performance characteristics of women with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Care and Research, 7(3), 123–129.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mannerkorpi, K., & Gard, G. (2012). Hinders for continued work among persons with fibromyalgia. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 13, 96.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez, J. E., Ferraz, M. B., Sato, E. I., & Atra, E. (1995). Fibromyalgia versus rheumatoid arthritis: A longitudinal comparison of the quality of life. Journal of Rheumatology, 22(2), 270–274.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez-Lavin, M. (2007). Biology and therapy of fibromyalgia. Stress, the stress response system, and fibromyalgia. Arthritis Research and Therapy, 9(4), 216.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mayer, T. G., Towns, B. L., Neblett, R., Theodore, B. R., & Gatchel, R. J. (2008). Chronic widespread pain in patients with occupational spinal disorders: Prevalence, psychiatric comorbidity, and association with outcomes. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 33(17), 1889–1897.

    Google Scholar 

  • McBeth, J., Nicholl, B. I., Cordingley, L., Davies, K. A., & Macfarlane, G. J. (2010). Chronic widespread pain predicts physical inactivity: Results from the prospective EPIFUND study. European Journal of Pain, 14(9), 972–979.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McCain, G. A., Cameron, R., & Kennedy, J. C. (1989). The problem of long-term disability payments and litigation in primary fibromyalgia: The Canadian perspective. Journal of Rheumatology. Supplement, 19, 174–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCarberg, B., Barkin, R. L., Wright, J. A., Cronan, T. A., Groessl, E., & Schmidt, S. M. (2003). Tender points as predictors of distress and the pharmacologic management of fibromyalgia syndrome. American Journal of Therapy, 10(3), 176–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Middleton, G. D., McFarlin, J. E., & Lipsky, P. E. (1994). The prevalence and clinical impact of fibromyalgia in systemic lupus erythematosus [see comments]. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 37(8), 1181–1188.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Natvig, B., Bruusgaard, D., & Eriksen, W. (2001). Localized low back pain and low back pain as part of widespread musculoskeletal pain: Two different disorders? A cross-sectional population study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 33(1), 21–25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nielens, H., Boisset, V., & Masquelier, E. (2000). Fitness and perceived exertion in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Clinical Journal of Pain, 16(3), 209–213.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Noller, V., & Sprott, H. (2003). Prospective epidemiological observations on the course of the disease in fibromyalgia patients. Journal of Negative Results in Biomedicine, 2, 4.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nordeman, L., Gunnarsson, R., & Mannerkorpi, K. (2012). Prevalence and characteristics of widespread pain in female primary health care patients with chronic low back pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, 28(1), 65–72.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Normand, E., Potvin, S., Gaumond, I., Cloutier, G., Corbin, J. F., & Marchand, S. (2011). Pain inhibition is deficient in chronic widespread pain but normal in major depressive disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 72(2), 219–224.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Norregaard, J., Bulow, P. M., Mehlsen, J., & Danneskiold-Samsoe, B. (1994). Biochemical changes in relation to a maximal exercise test in patients with fibromyalgia. Clinical Physiology, 14(2), 159–167.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Okifuji, A., Donaldson, G. W., Barck, L., & Fine, P. G. (2010). Relationship between fibromyalgia and obesity in pain, function, mood, and sleep. The Journal of Pain, 11(12), 1329–1337.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Okifuji, A., & Turk, D. C. (2002). Stress and psychophysiological dysregulation in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27(2), 129–141.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pamuk, O. N., Yesil, Y., & Cakir, N. (2006). Factors that affect the number of tender points in fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain patients who did not meet the ACR 1990 criteria for fibromyalgia: Are tender points a reflection of neuropathic pain? Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 36(2), 130–134.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Papageorgiou, A. C., Silman, A. J., & Macfarlane, G. J. (2002). Chronic widespread pain in the population: A seven year follow up study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 61(12), 1071–1074.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Park, J. H., Phothimat, P., Oates, C. T., Hernanz-Schulman, M., & Olsen, N. J. (1998). Use of P-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect metabolic abnormalities in muscles of patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 41(3), 406–413.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Penrod, J. R., Bernatsky, S., Adam, V., Baron, M., Dayan, N., & Dobkin, P. L. (2004). Health services costs and their determinants in women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Rheumatology, 31(7), 1391–1398.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Petzke, F., Clauw, D. J., Ambrose, K., Khine, A., & Gracely, R. H. (2003). Increased pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia: Effects of stimulus type and mode of presentation. Pain, 105(3), 403–413.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prescott, E., Kjoller, M., Jacobsen, S., Bulow, P. M., Danneskiold-Samsoe, B., & Kamper-Jorgensen, F. (1993). Fibromyalgia in the adult Danish population: I. A prevalence study. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 22(5), 233–237.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Raspe, H., & Croft, P. (1995). Fibromyalgia. Baillieres Clinical Rheumatology, 9(3), 599–614.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, J. C., Ong, B. N., & Sim, J. (2008). Experiencing and controlling time in everyday life with chronic widespread pain: A qualitative study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9, 3.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rivera, J., Esteve-Vives, J., Vallejo, M. A., & Rejas, J. (2011). Factors associated with temporary work disability in patients with fibromyalgia. Rheumatology International, 31(11), 1471–1477.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, R. L., Birnbaum, H. G., Morley, M. A., Sisitsky, T., Greenberg, P. E., & Claxton, A. J. (2003). Economic cost and epidemiological characteristics of patients with fibromyalgia claims. Journal of Rheumatology, 30(6), 1318–1325.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Russell, I. J., Michalek, J. E., Vipraio, G. A., Fletcher, E. M., Javors, M. A., & Bowden, C. A. (1992). Platelet 3H-imipramine uptake receptor density and serum serotonin levels in patients with fibromyalgia/fibrositis syndrome [see comments]. Journal of Rheumatology, 19(1), 104–109.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Russell, I. J., Vaeroy, H., Javors, M., & Nyberg, F. (1992). Cerebrospinal fluid biogenic amine metabolites in fibromyalgia/fibrositis syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 35(5), 550–556.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sallinen, M., Kukkurainen, M. L., Peltokallio, L., & Mikkelsson, M. (2010). Women’s narratives on experiences of work ability and functioning in fibromyalgia. Musculoskeletal Care, 8(1), 18–26.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sarzi-Puttini, P., Buskila, D., Carrabba, M., Doria, A., & Atzeni, F. (2008). Treatment strategy in fibromyalgia syndrome: Where are we now? Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 37(6), 353–365.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sherman, J. J., Turk, D. C., & Okifuji, A. (2000). Prevalence and impact of posttraumatic stress disorder-like symptoms on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Clinical Journal of Pain, 16(2), 127–134.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, S., Dukes, E. M., Johnston, S. S., Brandenburg, N. A., Sadosky, A., & Huse, D. M. (2009). The economic burden of fibromyalgia: Comparative analysis with rheumatoid arthritis. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 25(4), 829–840.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Simons, D. G. (1975). Muscle pain syndromes–Part I. American Journal of Physical Medicine, 54(6), 289–311.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Skouen, J. S., Grasdal, A., & Haldorsen, E. M. (2006). Return to work after comparing outpatient multidisciplinary treatment programs versus treatment in general practice for patients with chronic widespread pain. European Journal of Pain, 10(2), 145–152.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smythe, H. (1972). Nonarticular rheumatism and the fibrositis syndrome. In L. Hollander (Ed.), Arthritis and allied conditions; a textbook of rheumatology (8th ed., pp. 874–884). Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Social Security Administration. (2012). Social security ruling, RSR 12–2: Title II and XVI: Evaluation of fibromyalgia. In F. Register (Ed.) (Vol. 77, pp. 43640–43644).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sprott, H., Rzanny, R., Reichenbach, J. R., Kaiser, W. A., Hein, G., & Stein, G. (2000). 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in fibromyalgic muscle. Rheumatology (Oxford), 39(10), 1121–1125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Staud, R. (2011). Peripheral pain mechanisms in chronic widespread pain. Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology, 25(2), 155–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Staud, R., Price, D. D., Robinson, M. E., Mauderli, A. P., & Vierck, C. J. (2004). Maintenance of windup of second pain requires less frequent stimulation in fibromyalgia patients compared to normal controls. Pain, 110(3), 689–696.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stockman, R. (1904). The causes, pathology, and treatment of chronic rheumatism. Edinburgh Medical Journal, 15, 107–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Straube, S., Moore, R. A., Paine, J., Derry, S., Phillips, C. J., Hallier, E., et al. (2011). Interference with work in fibromyalgia: Effect of treatment with pregabalin and relation to pain response. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 12, 125.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Toda, K. (2007). The prevalence of fibromyalgia in Japanese workers. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 36(2), 140–144.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Turk, D. C., Okifuji, A., Starz, T. W., & Sinclair, J. D. (1996). Effects of type of symptom onset on psychological distress and disability in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Pain, 68(2–3), 423–430.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Turk, D. C., Robinson, J. P., & Burwinkle, T. (2004). Prevalence of fear of pain and activity in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. The Journal of Pain, 5(9), 483–490.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Denderen, J. C., Boersma, J. W., Zeinstra, P., Hollander, A. P., & van Neerbos, B. R. (1992). Physiological effects of exhaustive physical exercise in primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFS): Is PFS a disorder of neuroendocrine reactivity? Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 21(1), 35–37.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vlaeyen, J. W., Kole-Snijders, A. M., Boeren, R. G., & van Eek, H. (1995). Fear of movement/(re)injury in chronic low back pain and its relation to behavioral performance. Pain, 62(3), 363–372.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waehrens, E. E., Amris, K., & Fisher, A. G. (2010). Performance-based assessment of activities of daily living (ADL) ability among women with chronic widespread pain. Pain, 150(3), 535–541.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • White, L. A., Birnbaum, H. G., Kaltenboeck, A., Tang, J., Mallett, D., & Robinson, R. L. (2008). Employees with fibromyalgia: Medical comorbidity, healthcare costs, and work loss. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 50(1), 13–24.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • White, K. P., Nielson, W. R., Harth, M., Ostbye, T., & Speechley, M. (2002). Does the label “fibromyalgia” alter health status, function, and health service utilization? A prospective, within-group comparison in a community cohort of adults with chronic widespread pain. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 47(3), 260–265.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • White, K. P., Speechley, M., Harth, M., & Ostbye, T. (1999). Comparing self-reported function and work disability in 100 community cases of fibromyalgia syndrome versus controls in London, Ontario: The London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 42(1), 76–83.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Winkelmann, A., Perrot, S., Schaefer, C., Ryan, K., Chandran, A., Sadosky, A., et al. (2011). Impact of fibromyalgia severity on health economic costs: Results from a European cross-sectional study. Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, 9(2), 125–136.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, F. (1997). The relation between tender points and fibromyalgia symptom variables: Evidence that fibromyalgia is not a discrete disorder in the clinic. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 56(4), 268–271.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, F., Anderson, J., Harkness, D., Bennett, R. M., Caro, X. J., Goldenberg, D. L., et al. (1997a). Health status and disease severity in fibromyalgia: Results of a six-center longitudinal study. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 40(9), 1571–1579.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, F., Anderson, J., Harkness, D., Bennett, R. M., Caro, X. J., Goldenberg, D. L., et al. (1997b). Work and disability status of persons with fibromyalgia. Journal of Rheumatology, 24(6), 1171–1178.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, F., Clauw, D. J., Fitzcharles, M. A., Goldenberg, D. L., Katz, R. S., Mease, P., et al. (2010). The American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and measurement of symptom severity. Arthritis Care & Research, 62(5), 600–610.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, F., Ross, K., Anderson, J., Russell, I. J., & Hebert, L. (1995). The prevalence and characteristics of fibromyalgia in the general population. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 38(1), 19–28.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, F., Russell, I. J., Vipraio, G., Ross, K., & Anderson, J. (1997). Serotonin levels, pain threshold, and fibromyalgia symptoms in the general population. Journal of Rheumatology, 24(3), 555–559.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, F., Smythe, H. A., Yunus, M. B., Bennett, R. M., Bombardier, C., Goldenberg, D. L., et al. (1990). The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia. Report of the Multicenter Criteria Committee [see comments]. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 33(2), 160–172.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, P. B., Patterson, J. C., II, Sunderland, J. J., Tainter, K. H., Glabus, M. F., & Lilien, D. L. (2007). Reduced presynaptic dopamine activity in fibromyalgia syndrome demonstrated with positron emission tomography: A pilot study. The Journal of Pain, 8(1), 51–58.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, Y., He, W., & Russell, I. J. (2011). Genetic polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor relate to guanosine protein-coupled stimulator receptor dysfunction in fibromyalgia syndrome. Journal of Rheumatology, 38(6), 1095–1103.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yunus, M. B., Arslan, S., & Aldag, J. C. (2002). Relationship between body mass index and fibromyalgia features. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 31(1), 27–31.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yunus, M. B., Masi, A. T., & Aldag, J. C. (1989). Preliminary criteria for primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFS): Multivariate analysis of a consecutive series of PFS, other pain patients, and normal subjects. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 7(1), 63–69.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yunus, M., Masi, A. T., Calabro, J. J., Miller, K. A., & Feigenbaum, S. L. (1981). Primary fibromyalgia (fibrositis): Clinical study of 50 patients with matched normal controls. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 11(1), 151–171.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, 615 Arapeen Drive, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA

    Akiko Okifuji Ph.D. & Bradford D. Hare M.D. Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Akiko Okifuji Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bradford D. Hare M.D. Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Akiko Okifuji Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA

    Robert J. Gatchel

  2. Dept of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Izabela Z. Schultz

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Okifuji, A., Hare, B.D. (2014). Chronic Widespread Pain and Fibromyalgia Syndrome. In: Gatchel, R., Schultz, I. (eds) Handbook of Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability Disorders in the Workplace. Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0612-3_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation