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Occupational exposures and fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by prolonged and widespread general pain and tenderness, sleep disturbances and fatigue. The pain is felt mainly in the muscles, but also joint pain occurs. Fibromyalgia affects approximately 2–6 percent of the population, of which 80 percent are women. The question is whether scientific basis describing the influence of occupational exposures on fibromyalgia.

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SBU Enquiry Service

Consists of structured literature searches to highlight studies that can address questions received by the SBU Enquiry Service from Swedish healthcare or social service providers. We assess the risk of bias in systematic reviews and when needed also quality and transferability of results in health economic studies. Relevant references are compiled by an SBU staff member, in consultation with an external expert when needed.

Question

Is there any scientific basis describing different occupational expos¬ures for the onset or worsening of fibromyalgia?

Identified literature

  1. Farrell J, Littlejohn GO. Pain, nature of task, and body part used in fibromyalgia syndrome. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain 1999;7:279-284.
  2. Larsson B, Balogh I. Is There a Relationship Between Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Work Conditions. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain 2005;13:5-14.
  3. Kivimäki M, Leino-Arjas P, Virtanen M, Elovainio M, Keltikangas-Järvinen L, Puttonen S, et al. Work stress and incidence of newly diagnosed fibromyalgia: Prospective cohort study. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 2004;57:417-422.
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Literature search

Literature search.pdf

Project group

Karin Stenström, Jonatan Alvan and Susanne Gustafsson at SBU.

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