Fibromyalgia is a relatively recent term for a common rheumatic disease that was previously called soft tissue rheumatism, fibrositis, or nonarticular rheumatism. 

According to the Arthritis Foundation, it is the second leading arthritis-related condition. The American College of Rheumatology believes 3 to 6 million Americans are affected. The Arthritis Society of Canada estimates the prevalence of fibromyalgia is between 2.1 and 5.7 percent of the population, with women affected four times more than men. The incidence increases with age and is said to be the most common in women 50 or older.

Common degenerative arthritis involves the joints of the body. 

Fibromyalgia attacks the soft tissue-the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Symptoms include persistent burning, soreness, pain, and stiffness all over, a flu like feeling, headaches, irritable bowel, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The severity of symptoms fluctuates, but most patients experience discomfort on a daily basis and some pain is always present.

Fibromyalgia is hard to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases. 

The American College of Rheumatology has developed certain diagnostic criteria. The main elements are widespread pain for a period of three months or longer, both above and below the waist, and on both sides of the body, as well as the presence of tenderness in at least eleven of eighteen specific, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips.

The cause of fibromyalgia is not known. Before symptoms develop some patients report having had a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection, or a physical trauma such as an automobile accident, fall, or athletic injury. 

Among the possibilities are also poor diet, steroids, birth control pills, antibiotics, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and chemical sensitivities. 

Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, which causes fatigue and decreased strength. Recent studies funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases also indicate an association with low levels of the anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol.

MSM cannot cure this major painful condition. But it is an excellent source of safe and substantial relief. 

Women diagnosed with fibromyalgia who have taken MSM say it has relieved their condition better than anything else they had previously tried.

This great benefit comes from MSM's pain reducing, anti-inflammatory, and increased blood-supply properties, but there may be other mechanisms at work that have yet to be determined.