Fibrositis is characterised by muscle pain in the neck and upper back pain. It is sometimes called fibromyalgia or cervico-brachial pain. Neck stiffness and restriction of neck movements often occur. Pain may involve the chest wall causing chest tightness, mimicking heart pain. Tenderness of the chest wall and breast bone is often present. Fibrositis may involve the upper arm and occasionally may extend to the hands and fingers. Neck and jaw pain frequently occur, the latter mimicking ear-ache. Jaw pain may also be linked to grinding of teeth and headaches. Visual blurring may occur, especially in the evenings, as may episodes of dizziness.

Fibrositis is associated with functional limitation in daily activities, especially those involving use of the arms in the semi-extended position. These activities include lifting and a whole range of house-hold chores (vacuuming, sweeping, hanging clothes on the line, washing-up, gardening, cleaning) as well as driving. Prolonged activity involving any of these chores results in exacerbation of symptoms.

The cause of fibrositis is not clear. An imbalance in electrolytes may be a contributing factor as both magnesium and calcium supplementation will often help in reducing symptoms. Foods may have an irritant effect, often within hours of ingestion, and elimination of offending foods will help.

Acupuncture provides relief of symptoms in fibrositis. It needs to be integrated with a graded self-exercise program together with life-style modifications to achieve sustained results.