ABSTRACT
Chronic myofascial pain (CMP) is first and foremost an epidemiological term, reflecting self-reported, long-lasting, widespread complaints of suspected muscular origin, while fibromyalgia is a term based on a clinical examination. This chapter discusses the use CMP synonymously with CWP. The multisymptom syndrome approach might, however, be a fruitful way forward in the understanding of CMP. The most important consequences of CMP are limitations of daily life functions and reduced work ability. However, CMP also causes disability in a considerable number of individuals, but the precise magnitude remains to be settled. The question whether CMP should elicit welfare benefits or not has caused great controversy. The increase of disability benefit applicants with CMP has been a problem for social security systems. CMP has often been rejected as a reason for benefits, and continues to cause tension in the social benefit systems.
