Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million U.S. adults. Though its cause remains unclear, it can be effectively diagnosed, treated, and managed. But what exactly is fibromyalgia, and why is it sometimes dismissed as “made up”? We spoke with Kevin Hackshaw, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist, to discuss how fibromyalgia is diagnosed, common pain patterns, ongoing research, and practical strategies for living well with the condition. Learn why realistic management – like exercise and self-care – can make a difference and help prevent flare-ups.

<p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/what-is-fibromyalgia">Fibromyalgia</a> affects about 4 million U.S. adults. Though its cause remains unclear, it can be effectively diagnosed, treated, and managed. But what exactly is fibromyalgia, and why is it sometimes dismissed as &ldquo;made up&rdquo;? We spoke with&nbsp;<a href="https://dellmed.utexas.edu/directory/kevin-hackshaw">Kevin Hackshaw, MD</a>, a board-certified rheumatologist, to discuss how fibromyalgia is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-diagnosis-and-misdiagnosis">diagnosed</a>, common pain patterns, ongoing research, and practical strategies for living well with the condition. Learn why realistic management &ndash; like exercise and self-care &ndash; can make a difference and help prevent flare-ups.</p>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

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