Who gets fibromyalgia?

Anyone: Women, men and children can get fibromyalgia. However fibromyalgia is much more common among women and people with chronic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Anyone: Anyone can develop fibromyalgia. It is more common in women, typically beginning in the 2nd-4th decade. I do see it more commonly in my clinic among patients who have a 1st degree relative who suffers from alcoholism, among patients with remote history of physical or sexual abuse, and occasionally after a traumatic injury. A higher incidence of depressive and anxiety disorders may be associated.

Mostly women: Fibromyalgia is associated w. Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, JHS, an inherited ligament variation of increased flexibility. Great Britain has 38 clinics devoted to JHS diagnosis & treatment. I am not aware of similar clinics in US. Female pelvis is delicate & biomechanical integrity damaged by multiple pregnancies & deliveries. Obesity, sedentary status, JHS, & extreme sports increase damage risk.