Fibromyalgia refers to pain and tenderness in the fibrous tissues and muscles of the body. Although muscles and ligaments are affected the joints themselves are not prone to the inflammation, swelling or erosion like some of the other forms of arthritis.

A child with fibromyalgia syndrome may experience widespread aches and stiffness throughout the body, constant tiredness, poor sleep, anxiety and depression. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are not due to a serious underlying disease, but good management is required to minimise the impact of these symptoms on a childs lifestyle.

(My child) needs to move around often, she cannot sit, stand or walk for long periods of time, when she does she gets back pain, as well as the pains through her legs, feet, arms, neck etc. She finds it hard to concentrate and at times we have to repeat instructions several times.
Mother of 12-year old girl with fibromyalgia.

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