Fibromyalgia & musculoskeletal pain
New Onset of Fibromyalgia After Exposure to a Combat Environment: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors' conclusion
This study provides the largest prospective data to date to support exposure to the stress of deployment to a warzone as a significant factor related to the onset of fibromyalgia.
Study context
- Population
- US military service members assessed before and upon return from combat deployment
- Participants
- 1,761 members
- Exposure
- Pre-deployment vs post-deployment
- Outcome
- Fibromyalgia (2011 questionnaire modification of the 2010 ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria)
- Follow-up
- Upon return from combat deployment
Methodological detailslongitudinal, pre- and post-deployment assessment
- Longitudinal
- Pre- and post-deployment assessment
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Prevalence of fibromyalgia (2011 modification of 2010 ACR preliminary criteria) · Predeployment and post deployment
P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Prevalence of PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist Stressor-Specific Version) · increased slightly
P > 0.05
Men
Women
| Outcome | OR |
|---|---|
| Developing FM post deployment, by PTSD predeployment | 2.96 |
| Developing PTSD post deployment, by FM predeployment | 3.12 |
Original publication
New Onset of Fibromyalgia After Exposure to a Combat Environment: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). Published 9 February 2026. doi:10.
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