FIBROMYALGIA: EMERGING EVIDENCE ON A HIGHLY DEBATED MEDICAL ENIGMA

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a highly prevalent condition characterized by persistent diffuse musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by other functional and significant psychological comorbidities. The disease is controversial since there is no clear knowledge of its causes, it lacks precise diagnostic criteria and targeted treatment protocols. All these are sparking medical debates amid physicians and scientists worldwide, with some even placing FM in the spectrum of functional somatic syndromes. This article aims to review the up-to-date literature on the pathogenesis and pathophysiology mechanisms, the clinical manifestations and diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for FM patients. We will discuss both approved and investigational agents that have shown promising effects, as well as the evidence behind non-pharmacologic treatments. It is the authors??? hope that improving our understanding of this complex disease will lower the consumption of health and social resources, and alleviate the increasing burden it generates on primary and specialty care systems.