Summary
In an epidemiological survey of females aged 20–49 years in Arendal, Norway, 217 persons with musculoskeletal pain were examined for the presence of fibromyalgia as defined by the ACR criteria of 1990. Forty females with fibromyalgia were found whereas 129 females had chronic musculoskeletal pain of more than three months duration but failed to meet the criteria. Two females suffered from nonrheumatic disorders which could explain their musculoskeletal pain. Forty-six females had pain of less than three months duration. Somewhat surprising, the presence of tender points and symptoms regarded as typical of fibromyalgia were rather frequently observed among the females who failed to satisfy the ACR 1990 criteria. No other diseases were found which could explain their complaints or clinical findings. The presence of fibromyalgia-like syndromes is suggested, and the classification and nature of such syndromes are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Lawrence, R.C., Hochberg, M.C., Kelsey, J.L., Mc Duffie, F.C., Medsger, T.A., Felts, W.R.jr., Shulman, L.E. Estimates of the prevalence of selected arthritic and musculoskeletal disease in the United States. J Rheumatol 1989, 16, 427–441.
Allander, E. Prevalence, incidence, and remission rates of some common rheumatic diseases or syndromes. Scand J Rheumatol 1974, 3, 145–54.
Kahl, L.E. Musculoskeletal problems in the family practice setting. Guidelines for curriculum design. J Rheumatol 1987, 14, 811–814.
Borchgrevink, C.F., Brekke, T.H., Øgar, B. Skjelett/muskelsykdommer i almenpraksis. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 1980, 7, 439–445.
Bjelle, A., Mägi, M. Rheumatic disorders in primary care. Scand J Rheumatol 1981, 10, 441–341.
Kogstad, O., Gudmundsen, J. Rygglidelser. En epidemiologisk undersøkelse, Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 1978, 98, 1076–1079.
Jacobsson, L., Lindegärd, F., Manthorpe, R. The commonest rheumatic complaints of over six weeks. Duration in a twelve-month period in a defined Swedish population Scand J Rheumatol 1989, 18, 353–360.
Melson, M., Gogstad, A. Langtidssykemeldte. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 1989, 109, 2443–50.
Bjelle, A., Allander, E., Mägi, M. Rheumatic disorders in the Swedish population and health care system. J Rheumatol 1980, 7, 877–885.
Hench, P.K. Nonarticular rheumatism, 22 rheumatism review: Review of the American and English literature for the years 1973 and 1974. Arthritis Rheum (Suppl) 1976, 19, 1081–1089.
Simons, D.G. Special review, muscle pain syndromes. Part I. Am J Phys Med 1975, 54, 189–311.
Simons, D.G. Special review, muscle pain syndromes. Part II. Am J Phys Med 1976, 55, 15–42.
Smythe, H.A. Fibrositis as a disorder of pain modulation. Clin Rheum Dis 1979, 5, 823–832.
Wolfe, F., Smythe, H.A., Yunus, M.B., Bennett, R.M., Rombardier, C., Goldenberg, D.L., Tungwell, P., Campbell, M.S., Akeles, M., Clark, P., Fam, A.G., Farber, S.J., Fiechter, J.J., Franklin, C.M., Gatter, K.A., Hamaty, D., Lesard, J., Lichtenbroun, A.S., Masi, A.T., Mc Cain, G.A., Raymolds, W.J., Romand, T.J., Bursell, Sheon, R.P. The American College of Rheumatology 1990, Criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 1990, 33, 160–172.
Forseth, K.Ø., Gran, J.T. The prevalence of fibromyalgia among women aged 20–49 years in Arendal, Norway. Scand J Rheumatol 1992, 21, 74–8.
Yunus, M.B., Masi, A.T., Aldag, H. Preliminary criteria for primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFS): Multivariate analysis of a consecutive series of PFS, other pain patients and normal subjects. Clin Exp Rheumatol 1989, 7, 63–69.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Forseth, K.O., Gran, J.T. The occurrence of fibromyalgia-like syndromes in a general female population. Clin Rheumatol 12, 23–27 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231553
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231553