Fibromyalgia and IBS have similar clinical characteristics and a significant overlap of individual-reported symptoms. Researchers are still looking for a definitive connection.

Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder with excruciating pain, fatigue and additional conditions like insomnia, depression, and others.

After years of living with these two chronic conditions, I've finally found some tried and true IBS and fibromyalgia treatments that help manage my symptoms and relieve pain.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia The main signs of fibromyalgia include long-lasting body pain often described as an aching, burning or throbbing, feeling tired all the time and having trouble sleeping.

"Irritable Bowel Syndrome, known as IBS, describes a collection of digestive symptoms and affects more women than men," explains nutritionist, Rohini Bajekal.

In addition to chronic pain, people with fibromyalgia may experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cognitive difficulties (often referred to as "fibro fog ...

According to the UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, as much as 60 percent of people who have fibromyalgia also have an IBS diagnosis, and as much as 70 percent have symptoms of IBS.

We know that IBS can coexist with gastrointestinal conditions and it can also coexist with nongastrointestinal conditions, where patients have what we call extraintestinal symptoms.

A new hypothesis suggests that IBS, a gastrointestinal condition affecting up to 15 percent of the U.S. population, could be caused by an intolerance to gravity.

The severity of fibromyalgia signs and symptoms vary, and occur in different combinations in different individuals. Find out more.