Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive difficulties. It is a real, recognised medical condition — not "just stress" — and with the right support most people significantly improve their quality of life.
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This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is thought to result from central sensitisation — a process in which the nervous system becomes amplified and hypersensitive, perceiving pain more intensely than normal. It is not inflammatory (joints and tissues appear normal on examination and blood tests) but the pain is entirely real and can be severely debilitating.
It commonly develops following a stressful event such as an infection, physical trauma, surgery, or significant psychological stress. It frequently occurs alongside other conditions including IBS, migraines, anxiety, and depression.
Symptoms
- Widespread pain — a dull, aching pain affecting muscles and soft tissues throughout the body
- Fatigue — profound tiredness that is not relieved by rest
- Unrefreshing sleep — waking feeling exhausted
- Cognitive difficulties — memory problems, poor concentration, and "fibro fog"
- Headaches and facial pain
- Irritable bowel symptoms — bloating, cramping, and altered bowel habits
- Heightened sensitivity to pain, temperature, noise, and light
- Stiffness — particularly on waking or after sitting for prolonged periods
Causes
The exact cause is unknown, but fibromyalgia is associated with abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system. Genetics play a role — it runs in families. Triggering factors include physical injury, infection, surgery, and significant psychological stress. Sleep disturbance is both a symptom and a perpetuating factor — it worsens pain and fatigue.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have widespread pain lasting more than three months, particularly if accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. A proper assessment will rule out inflammatory conditions, thyroid disease, and other treatable causes before a fibromyalgia diagnosis is made.
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Treatment options
- Exercise — aerobic exercise is the single most evidence-based treatment for fibromyalgia, improving pain, fatigue, and mood
- CBT — helps manage the psychological impact of chronic pain and develop effective coping strategies
- Sleep management — improving sleep quality has a direct positive effect on pain levels
- Medication — low-dose amitriptyline, duloxetine, pregabalin, or gabapentin can reduce pain and improve sleep
- Pain management programme — a multidisciplinary approach combining physiotherapy, psychology, and medical management
- Pacing — learning to manage energy and activity levels to avoid boom-bust cycles
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors provide thorough assessments for fibromyalgia, rule out other conditions, and develop individualised management plans. We take fibromyalgia seriously — providing compassionate care that acknowledges the reality of your symptoms and focuses on practical strategies to improve your daily life.
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