Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain throughout the body lasting months, accompanied by fatigue, disturbed sleep, and difficulty with concentration and memory (sometimes called fibro fog). It affects women more than men.

What distinguishes fibromyalgia is that it does not result from inflammation or damage in the joints or muscles and does not show directly on tests or imaging. Its cause is thought to be a disturbance in how the central nervous system and brain process pain signals, so the brain becomes more sensitive and amplifies the sensation of pain even from stimuli that are not normally painful. The patient therefore suffers real pain even though tests appear normal.

It is very important to correct the idea that fibromyalgia is imaginary or all in the head; it is a recognized medical condition whose pain is real and affects quality of life. Its diagnosis is often delayed because its symptoms resemble other conditions, and it is diagnosed by excluding other diseases and assessing the chronic widespread pain pattern. Although there is no definitive cure, it is well manageable with a combination of graded physical activity, healthy sleep, stress management and psychotherapy, and certain medications that ease pain and improve sleep, so many patients regain control of their lives.

• Widespread pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist.
• Persistent fatigue even after sleep.
• Disturbed, unrefreshing sleep.
• Difficulty with concentration and memory (fibro fog).
• Headache, irritable bowel, and sensitivity to touch, light, and sound.

• Altered processing of pain signals by the brain and nervous system.
• Genetic factors and family predisposition.
• Triggers: physical or psychological injury, infection, or severe stress.

• Female sex.
• A family history of fibromyalgia.
• Having other rheumatic diseases.
• Psychological stress and sleep disorders.

• Clinical diagnosis based on the chronic widespread pain pattern and accompanying symptoms.
• Tests to rule out other diseases (there is no confirmatory test for fibromyalgia).

Lifestyle (the cornerstone)

• Regular graded physical activity (walking, swimming), among the most effective treatments.
• Improving sleep, managing stress, and relaxation techniques.

Supportive therapies

• Psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral) and physiotherapy.
• Certain medications that ease pain and improve sleep by prescription.

This content is educational and does not replace consulting a rheumatologist or neurologist.

• Severe impact on quality of life and work.
• Accompanying anxiety and depression.
• Chronic sleep disorders.

• There is no proven prevention, but activity, sleep, and stress management reduce symptoms.
• Early detection and treatment improve the course.
• A regular, multifaceted treatment program.