FIBROMYALGIA About 200 years ago, the term ‘muscular rheumatism’ was coined in Scotland for a poorly understood illness that resulted in poor sleep, fatigue, stiffness, aches and pains, and tender spots sensitive to touch.1

Half a century later in this country, the term ‘neurasthenia’ came into vogue for pretty much the same group of symptoms but was associated with the mental and emotional disturbances associated with the stresses of modern life. Twenty years later, another name, ‘fibrositis’ – meaning ‘inflamed fibers’ - was created to describe pretty much the same disorder.