Pain and fatigue are more than an occasional issue for about 4 million Americans living with a chronic condition known as fibromyalgia.¹

Because of its wide range of symptoms and misunderstood history, fibromyalgia is& often difficult to diagnose. But with the right lifestyle choices and help from a doctor, it’s possible to manage symptoms and reduce pain and fatigue. 

In this article, we go into depth about what fibromyalgia is, what symptoms to look out for, and what kind of treatments might help. 

What is fibromyalgia?

According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, fibromyalgia is a long-lasting condition that causes pain in the muscles due to the nerve stimuli. Moving can hurt more, and hard or strenuous exercise can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse. This chronic condition not only results in muscular or bone pain, it also causes fatigue, headaches, difficulty sleeping, depression, and anxiety. While it’s most commonly diagnosed in women over 40, men and children can also develop fibromyalgia.

Not everyone with fibromyalgia has the same symptoms.

Fibromyalgia facts

Because fibromyalgia is a& relatively misunderstood condition, there are some facts and myths that get spread about what it means to have it. The following facts are true:¹

• Fibromyalgia pain is real. While historically fibromyalgia was considered to be fake or “all in your head,” medical professionals now recognize it as a true condition that can be diagnosed. If you feel it, it is real.
• We don’tknow what causes fibromyalgia. Because of its complex range of symptoms, doctors don’t know what exactly causes the condition. Some believe it can result from illness, a traumatic experience, or as a comorbidity with other conditions, like IBS or lupus.
• Older women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. Women over 40 tend to be most likely to develop fibromyalgia. Again, doctors aren’t entirely sure why. But men and children can develop the condition as well, it’s just not as common.
• Fibromyalgia has no cure. While it’s true that fibromyalgia can’t be cured, lifestyle changes and medical support can help reduce symptoms and minimize flare-ups.

The reality of fibromyalgia

Some common misconceptions about fibromyalgia exist that have made it difficult for patients to receive the right diagnosis. The following facts are what’s true about living with fibromyalgia:²

• Fibromyalgia is not just depression. For a long time doctors believed that people with fibromyalgia symptoms actually had undiagnosed depression. But while some people do have both, people can have fibromyalgia and not experience depression.
• Fibromyalgia can be difficult to recognize because there isn’t a clear-cut list of symptoms. But if& you’re experiencing unusual pain or feel like your quality of life has gotten worse because of new symptoms, it’s important to write them down so you can talk to your doctor.
• Fibromyalgia is not all in your head. Unfortunately, conditions like fibromyalgia that typically affect women have historically been dismissed by the medical field as pretend or fake.³ But fibromyalgia, and other chronic conditions that women tend to get, are real. Your pain and symptoms matter, and the right doctor will diagnose you correctly and help you get treatment.
• Fibromyalgia does not only result in physical pain. One misconception about fibromyalgia is that it primarily results in muscular or bone pain. We’ve come to understand that this condition has a wide range of symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mental health issues.

Fibromyalgia symptoms

Fibromyalgia symptoms are varied; no two people experience the same ones. But doctors have recognized a list of the more common symptoms that can point to a fibromyalgia diagnosis.⁴ These include:

• Widespread bone and muscle pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Digestive issues, like constipation
• Memory issues
• Anxiety or depression

Fibro fog is a unique symptom that results in difficulty concentrating, paying attention to tasks, or remembering things. People who experience fibro fog describe it as having a “fuzzy brain.”⁵

Fibromyalgia symptoms aren’t consistent from day to day. They come and go in flare-ups, which means that some days you might wake up with severe pain or fatigue, and then the next day you might feel more normal. Often, it’s hard to pinpoint what causes a flare-up, but increased stress is a common trigger.⁴

Fibromyalgia and sleep

Doctors believe that fibromyalgia changes the way brain waves work at night, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. The actual pain and discomfort can also contribute to bad sleep. Plus, many people with fibromyalgia also have conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, which all make it more difficult to sleep well. Because of all these reasons, fibromyalgia often results in constant fatigue that’s difficult to find relief from.

6 tips for sleeping better with fibromyalgia

Sleeping with any sort of chronic pain is a challenge. Some ways you can help get a better night’s rest include:

• Practicing good sleep hygiene. Commit to boundaries like using your bedroom only for sleep and not watching TV or working. Keep the temperature cool and the room dark.
• Cut down on screen time before bed. Looking at a phone, TV, or laptop screen can disrupt your brain’s ability to enter REM sleep. Try to limit your technology use in the hour before bed.
• Ask your doctor about safe sleep aids. Some medical sleep aids like Unisom or melatonin might help you sleep better. Always check with your doctor before starting a new sleep aid.
• Develop a soothing nighttime routine. Priming your body to rest with quiet music, a warm bath or shower, and calming rituals like reading or journaling can all help you to unwind and rest.
• Stick to a regular sleep schedule. When you commit to going to bed at the same time every night, your body gets into a rhythm that helps you fall asleep more quickly.
• Invest in the right mattress. A good mattress can make a big difference in sleep quality. You can read more about ways to make your bedroom more comfortable in our reviews of the best mattress for fibromyalgia, best mattresses, best cooling mattress toppers, best mattress for back pain, best orthopedic mattress, and best adjustable beds.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Doctors don’t know what causes fibromyalgia. Some think it might be triggered by a traumatic event, stress, or by another condition like lupus or long COVID. Repeated injuries to the joints might also cause fibromyalgia, but there isn’t a clear answer.

Risk factors for fibromyalgia include if you are a woman or were assigned female at birth, if you are over 40 years old, and if fibromyalgia runs in your family. People who have undergone a traumatic event are also more likely to develop this condition.⁴

Doctors have found that people with other autoimmune diseases are often at risk of developing fibromyalgia. These diseases include lupus, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.>

Diagnosing fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is typically diagnosed by a doctor who will listen to your symptoms and compare them to your medical and family history. There are currently no lab tests that can identify fibromyalgia. Some doctors do what’s called a tender point exam, where they test specific areas of your body for pain responses. But the majority of them use a survey and diagnose based on your personal symptoms and experiences. You might have to see several doctors to receive a diagnosis.⁶

You should see a doctor if you’ve been experiencing widespread pain for more than three months, and especially if you also have mood and sleep disturbances.⁷ The moment you think something might be wrong is the right moment to make an appointment with your doctor.

Fibromyalgia treatments

The current strategy for treating fibromyalgia is a combination of medical interventions, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Exercise can help with chronic pain, as well as getting good sleep and eating well. Occupational, physical, and talk therapy can also help. What works for you will depend on your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle.

While there isn’t a specific medication designed to treat fibromyalgia, some doctors use a combination of medications to help address specific symptoms. These include:

• Antidepressants
• Pain relievers
• Anti-seizure medications

Living with fibromyalgia

Living with fibromyalgia or other sorts of chronic pain can be hard on your mental health.& It’s easy to feel sad, discouraged, or frustrated while trying to manage your condition. Remember that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to lean on loved ones when needed and keep a line of communication open with your doctor to help address your symptoms. Programs designed for older adults often have resources, like support groups.&

And while fibromyalgia will never go away, the right treatment plan can help reduce your pain and give you back a fulfilling and satisfying life.

“Taking care of yourself is important when you have fibromyalgia,” said Dorothea Vafiadis, Senior Director of NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging. “Healthy habits can help lower pain, improve sleep, and reduce tiredness. Exercise can help, but it’s important to start slow and not push yourself too hard. Gentle activities like walking, swimming, stretching, and yoga are good choices because they help your body move without causing too much pain.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is fibromyalgia more common in women?

Yes, fibromyalgia is more common in women, though doctors aren’t sure why.

Is fibromyalgia hereditary?

Yes, fibromyalgia can be hereditary. If you have a family member with fibromyalgia, your risk of developing the same condition increases.

What kind of doctor treats fibromyalgia?

PCPs, therapists, and autoimmune specialists all help treat fibromyalgia.

Is fibromyalgia an autoimmune disease?

No, fibromyalgia is not considered an autoimmune disease, but it is often diagnosed in conjunction with an autoimmune disease like lupus.

Sources

1. Center for Disease Control. Fibromyalgia. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/fibromyalgia/

2. Häuser, W. et al. Facts and myths pertaining to fibromyalgia. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. March 2018. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6016048/ 

3. Katz Institute for Women’s Health. Gaslighting in women’s health: No, it’s not just in your head. Found on the internet at https://www.northwell.edu/katz-institute-for-womens-health/articles/gaslighting-in-womens-health

4. Cleveland Clinic. Fibromyalgia. Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4832-fibromyalgia<

5. AFSA. FibroFog: An Overwhelmed Brain and How to Treat It. Found on the internet at https://www.fibromyalgiafund.org/fibrofog-an-overwhelmed-brain-how-to-treat-it/

6. AFSA. Fibromyalgia Diagnosis. Found on the internet at https://www.fibromyalgiafund.org/diagnosis/

7. Winslow, B. et al. Fibromyalgia: Diagnosis and Management. American Family Physician. February 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0200/fibromyalgia.html