Fibromyalgia Through the Centuries: How Fibromyalgia Has Evolved

• 1976: In 1976, the term fibromyalgia was coined by P.K. Hench. The definition of fibromyalgia was later refined by H. Moldofsky and H.A. Smythe in 1977. The new definition required the presence of twelve of fourteen points when a four-pound manual pressure is applied. It was also necessary for four symptoms to be present under the new definition. These four symptoms or signs are normal laboratory results, disturbed sleep, three months or more of widespread pain, and tenderness when the trapezius or upper back muscle is lightly squeezed.

• 1984: In 1984, Dr. Muhammad Yunus said there are overlapping features among fibromyalgia and similar syndromes. This concept also indicated that these features were interconnected and mutually associated. In the same year, Dr. Fred Wolfe said fibromyalgia was prevalent among people experiencing rheumatoid arthritis. The first report of fibromyalgia based on a controlled study was published by Dr. Yunus.