Genetics of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain

People with chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain often other nonpainful physical (e.g., increased levels of physical fatigue) and psychological (e.g., reduced levels of motivation) symptoms. Although the mechanisms of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain are not fully understood yet, it is generally agreed that genetics may play an important role in it. However, the evidence is not strong yet. For instance, family aggregation suggests, but does not conclude, genetic susceptibility to fibromyalgia. From a clinical and public health perspective, to understand the role of genetics on the phenotype of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain is of interest. This chapter presents an overview of the genes that has been studied in chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain.