Table 5 Perceived triggering events of FM onset (in descending order of frequency)

Chronic stress

41.9%

Emotional trauma

31.3%

Acute illness

26.7%

Physical injury (non-MVA)

17.1%

Surgery

16.1%

Motor vehicle accident (MVA)

16.1%

Emotional and physical abuse as an adult

12.2%

Emotional and physical abuse as a child

11.9%

Thyroid problems

10.3%

Menopause

10.1%

Sexual abuse as a child

8.7%

Childbirth

7.6%

Sexual abuse as adult

2.9%