Disease of the month: Fibromyalgia

clock • 6 min read

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition causing pain all over the body and although anyone can develop the condition, it affects around seven times more women than men; writes Fergus Bescoby.

The condition typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50 but can occur in people of any age, including children and the elderly. The word fibromyalgia means pain (algia) coming from the muscles (my) and fibrous tissues (fibro) such as tendons and ligaments. Most people with fibromyalgia also have other symptoms in addition to the pain. The condition is therefore sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). It is a persistent (chronic) condition that is not a life threatening illness but can often be life changing. It is not clear exactly how many people suffer from fibromyal...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Mental wellbeing lowest among young and midlife adults: Aviva

Mental wellbeing lowest among young and midlife adults: Aviva

Access to support varied across age groups

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 October 2025 • 2 min read
Economic climate affecting risk responses for half of adults: AMI

Economic climate affecting risk responses for half of adults: AMI

2025 Protection Viewpoint Report

Jaskeet Briah
clock 09 October 2025 • 2 min read
What do advisers need to know about unemployment cover?

What do advisers need to know about unemployment cover?

Disparity between consumer fear and take-up of cover

Kesh Thukaram
clock 09 October 2025 • 4 min read