A 45-year-old man with fibromyalgia reports new-onset irritable bowel syndrome. How might these conditions be related?
Fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often coexist in patients. They are both considered functional somatic syndromes, characterized by dysregulation of the brain's processing of sensations, leading to amplified pain signals. Chronic stress or traumatic events may trigger these conditions, and they share similar treatment strategies, including lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and certain medications.