FIGURE 1.

The pain continuum. Fibromyalgia (FM) is part of a larger continuum that comprises a number of clinical syndromes, some examples of which are shown here. This continuum ranges from predominantly nociceptive (peripheral), to predominantly neuropathic, to predominantly centralized pain conditions. Many experts agree that FM rests at the end of the continuum of pain processing. IBS indicates irritable bowel syndrome; TMJD, temporomandibular joint disorder. Courtesy of Don L. Goldenberg, MD.