Fibromyalgia Explained: Symptoms, Causes and Management

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition characterised by widespread pain throughout the body, along with fatigue and a range of other symptoms. It is thought to involve changes in the way the nervous system processes pain signals, so that the brain and spinal cord become more sensitive to pain. It is a genuine physical condition, even though standard tests often appear normal.

Common symptoms

Fibromyalgia varies from person to person, but frequently includes:

• Widespread pain: Aching or burning sensations across the body, often on both sides.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that is not relieved by rest.
• Poor sleep: Unrefreshing sleep and difficulty staying asleep.
• Cognitive difficulties: Often called "fibro fog", affecting memory and concentration.
• Heightened sensitivity: To pain, temperature, light or noise.
• Other symptoms: Headaches, digestive problems and low mood.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from abnormal pain processing in the nervous system. Several factors may contribute:

• A genetic tendency that runs in families
• Physical or emotional stress, such as injury, infection or major life events acting as a trigger
• Disrupted sleep, which can worsen pain sensitivity

It is not caused by inflammation of the joints and does not damage them, which distinguishes it from conditions like arthritis. It is also more common in women than men, although anyone can develop it, and it can coexist with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic headaches.

How it is diagnosed

There is no single test for fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is based on the pattern and duration of symptoms, after excluding other conditions through examination and sometimes blood tests. Because symptoms overlap with other disorders, diagnosis can take time. Our nerve pain explained guide covers related conditions where the nervous system amplifies pain.

Managing fibromyalgia

There is no cure, but a combination of approaches can significantly improve quality of life. Management is usually tailored to the individual.

Self-management and lifestyle

• Gentle, graded exercise: Activities such as walking, swimming or tai chi, building up slowly, can reduce pain and fatigue over time.
• Pacing: Balancing activity and rest to avoid boom-and-bust cycles.
• Sleep improvement: Good sleep habits help, since poor sleep worsens symptoms.
• Stress management: Relaxation techniques and psychological support.

Medicines

Medicines are used to ease symptoms rather than cure the condition. A doctor may consider treatments that act on the nervous system's pain signalling, such as certain medicines also used for nerve pain including pregabalin or duloxetine. These require careful supervision; pregabalin in particular is a controlled medicine and should never be stopped abruptly. You can read more in our Pregabalin guide and browse the pregabalin range or our wider pain range, always under medical guidance.

Talking therapies

Cognitive behavioural therapy and similar approaches can help people cope with pain, improve sleep and manage the emotional impact of living with a long-term condition. They do not imply the pain is imagined; rather, they provide practical tools for reducing its grip on daily life.

Setting realistic expectations

Progress with fibromyalgia is often gradual, with good and bad days along the way. Rather than chasing a single cure, most people do best by building a personal toolkit of measures that, together, reduce symptoms and improve function. Patience, self-compassion and steady persistence tend to pay off more than any quick fix.

Living well with fibromyalgia

Many people find that a combination of regular gentle activity, good sleep, stress management and appropriate treatment allows them to lead full lives. Support groups and understanding from family, friends and employers can make a real difference.

When to seek help

See your doctor if you have widespread pain and fatigue lasting more than a few months, or if symptoms are affecting your daily life and mood. A proper assessment can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes, opening the way to an individualised plan. Browse our shop all range, but seek professional advice before starting any treatment.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.