I've had some people ask me what I know about fibromyalgia.  Rather than just rely on my own brain power, I've included some facts and their references.

Fibromyalgia often occurs along with other conditions, such as other forms of arthritis, Lyme disease, or thyroid problems. It can also develop after a serious injury.[1] Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose. It does not cause inflammation and cannot be diagnosed with X-rays, blood tests or samples of muscle tissue.[2] Fibromyalgia is not a new condition. There are many names for this condition given all around the world and over hundreds of years of medicine.[3]

[1] http://www.eorthopod.com/public/patient_education/6586/fibromyalgia.html
[2] http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbfibro.htm
[3] http://www.drlamb.com/curefibromyalgia.htm

Fibromyalgia is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50, although it also affects men, the elderly, and children. Children with FM are often mistakenly diagnosed with growing pains or behavioral problems, and FM is commonly mistaken for chronic fatigue syndrome since the symptoms of the two diseases are so similar.[4] Fibromyalgia is a very controversial diagnosis. It should be given only after all other possible proven and identifiable sources are excluded.[5] Fibromyalgia is believed to affect 3 to 6 million Americans. Diagnosis of the condition - typically a lengthy process - usually occurs during mid-life, although symptoms may be present earlier in life.[6]

[4] http://www.healingwithnutrition.com/fdisease/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia.html
[5] http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1611.html
[6] http://www.annecollins.com/fibromyalgia-diet.htm

Fibromyalgia, or fibrositis, as it is sometimes called, is a mysteriously debilitating syndrome that afflicts between 6 and 12 million people in the United States. The condition bears a striking resemblance to chronic fatigue syndrome and affects mostly women (female to male ratio is about 10:1) between the ages of 25 and 50.[7] Fibromyalgia is also associated with certain immune system changes. These do not appear to be of the autoimmune kind seen in disorders like multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, but rather the immune system appears as if fighting a virus.[8] Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting (chronic) condition with no cure. Symptoms tend to come and go.[9]

[7] http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/cfs/fib_home.htm
[8] http://www.geocities.com/cfsdays/nye-pt.htm
[9] http://health.msn.com/encyclopedia/healthtopics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100066074