A 32-year-old female presents to her physician asking for something to ease her pain. She was previously diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Her pain is most likely caused by:

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Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. The exact cause is unknown, but studies suggest that alterations in pain processing and pain tolerance are involved in the development of fibromyalgia. Additionally, patients with fibromyalgia may have abnormal levels of neurotransmitters involved in pain processing, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and substance P. Inflammation or autoimmune destruction of muscle tissue are not typically seen in fibromyalgia.

A 32-Year-Old Female Presents to Her Physician Asking for Something