Fibromyalgia
A long-term condition that causes widespread pain with fatigue and poor sleep. It is not an autoimmune disease, but it can occur alongside one.
If pain is sudden or severe, or comes with trouble breathing, chest pain or sudden weakness, seek emergency care immediately.
Common symptoms and how they vary
Widespread pain across the body that lasts a long time, described as aching, burning or stiffness, often worse with cold, stress or poor sleep.
Extreme tiredness that rest does not fix, and unrefreshing sleep even after enough hours.
Trouble concentrating and remembering, often called "fibro fog", sometimes with headaches, sensitivity to light or noise, and digestive problems.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is unknown. It is thought that the way the nervous system processes pain signals changes, so the body feels pain more strongly.
It may start after severe stress, an injury or an infection, and genes seem to play a part. It is more common in women.
Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease and does not cause inflammation or damage to joints or muscles, but it is more common in people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
How it is usually diagnosed
No blood test or scan confirms it. A doctor diagnoses it from the symptoms, how long they have lasted and an examination.
The doctor may order tests to rule out conditions that look similar, such as thyroid problems or inflammatory diseases.
Treatment categories in general terms
There is no cure, but a combination of approaches helps many people ease their symptoms: regular, gradual physical activity, cognitive behavioural therapy, sleep habits, and some medicines a doctor may decide on to ease pain or improve sleep.
What helps differs from person to person, so treatment is usually built together with the doctor, sometimes with a physiotherapist or psychologist.
Living with the condition
Spread your activity across the day and avoid overdoing it on good days; this reduces the flares that follow.
Keep regular times for sleeping and waking, and start moving in small steps, such as short walks or exercise in water.
Note your pain, fatigue and sleep each day; it helps you and your doctor see what makes things better or worse.
Common questions
Is fibromyalgia pain "in my head" or imagined?
No. It is a medically recognised condition and the pain is real, even when tests and scans are normal.
Will it damage my joints or muscles over time?
No. Fibromyalgia does not damage the joints, muscles or organs, although its symptoms can last a long time.
I have an autoimmune condition; can I have fibromyalgia too?
Yes, the two can occur together. That is why any new or worsening pain should be assessed by your doctor, as each is treated differently.
Questions you could ask your doctor
- If I also have an autoimmune condition, how can I tell fibromyalgia pain from a flare?
- What kind of physical activity suits me, and how do I start and build it up safely?
- What could help me sleep better?
Tools and resources
Trusted sources for further reading
General education in line with the patient pages of these sources.