The study analyzed 600 people (mostly women) with fibromyalgia: young (20–39), middle-aged (40–59), and older (60–85). The results suggest that older people may experience symptoms for a longer period of time, but these symptoms are generally less severe compared to the symptoms experienced by younger people.

Still, in some cases, fibromyalgia symptoms may worsen with age due to the development of other health conditions, such as osteoporosis, or age-related changes in the body. For example, the body’s natural ability to heal itself and regulate the immune system may decline with age, which could contribute to worsening symptoms.

What age does fibromyalgia peak?

There’s no specific age at which fibromyalgia peaks, as the severity of symptoms and the course of the condition can fluctuate over time and may worsen or improve at any age

Fibromyalgia can occur at any age, including children, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged adults, particularly women.

What is the youngest age to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is relatively uncommon in young people, but it can occur in adolescents and even younger children. In general, a fibromyalgia diagnosis in younger individuals can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with other conditions (i.e., growing pains, depression) and the limited research on the condition in pediatric populations.

The first signs of fibromyalgia vary from person to person, but common symptoms may include:

• Widespread pain: This may be a dull ache or a burning sensation that occurs all over the body.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted, even after getting enough sleep.
• Morning stiffness: People with fibromyalgia often report feeling stiff and achy when they wake up in the morning, and this can last for several hours.
• Cognitive difficulties: This can include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and a “foggy” feeling.
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling refreshed after sleep.
• Headaches: Tension headaches or migraine attacks may occur frequently.
• Digestive issues: This can include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Mental health symptoms: Many people with fibromyalgia also experience anxiety and depression.

Evidence suggests that these conditions are often seen with fibromyalgia:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: TMJ disorders cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw, face, and neck.
• Rheumatic diseases: Conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and seronegative spondyloarthritis can coexist with fibromyalgia.
• Hyperparathyroidism: This is a disorder of the parathyroid glands that can affect calcium levels in the body.
• Degenerative disk disease: This is a condition that affects the spinal disks and can cause back pain.
• Calcifications: These are the accumulation of calcium deposits in the body’s tissues.

While fibromyalgia can be a chronic and sometimes debilitating condition, it’s not considered a life threatening illness and doesn’t typically affect life expectancy. However, it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and daily functioning.

Fibromyalgia treatment

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can be challenging to treat, as it can cause a wide range of symptoms and may have multiple underlying causes. There’s currently no cure, and treatment generally aims to manage pain and other symptoms.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and other therapies that are tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and needs.

Medications for fibromyalgia may include:

• OTC pain relievers: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be used to manage mild to moderate fibromyalgia pain. However, these medications are generally less effective for fibromyalgia pain than prescription medications.

• Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are commonly used to help manage pain and depression. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help to reduce pain and improve mood.

• Skeletal muscle relaxants: These muscle relaxers can help to relieve muscle spasms and improve sleep. They work by decreasing the activity in the central nervous system, which can help to reduce pain and promote relaxation.

• Anti-epileptic agents: Some medications commonly used to treat seizures, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, can be effective in reducing pain in fibromyalgia. They work by decreasing the excitability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

• Anesthetics: Some anesthetics, such as lidocaine, can be administered as injections or patches to help reduce pain in specific areas of the body.

However,  suggests that only a small number of people with fibromyalgia experience substantial symptom relief with medications.

Other treatments may also include:

• exercise
• massage therapy
• physical therapy
• acupuncture
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBTI)
• moving meditation (i.e., yoga, tai chi, qigong)
• good sleep hygiene

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, and sleep disturbances. The condition can develop at any age, but it’s more common among middle-aged and older adults.

If you have fibromyalgia, it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and needs.