Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition in which the nervous system processes pain in an amplified way (central sensitisation). It is real and affects quality of life, but it does not damage the joints or organs.
Common symptoms
- Pain in many parts of the body for more than 3 months
- Fatigue and unrefreshing sleep
- Difficulty with memory and concentration
- Anxiety or low mood
- Irritable bowel, headache and sensitivity to noise, light or cold
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is clinical. Tests are used to rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency or inflammatory diseases.
Treatment
Gradual aerobic exercise is the treatment with the best evidence. It is complemented with sleep hygiene, stress management and cognitive behavioural therapy. In some patients, medicines such as amitriptyline, duloxetine or pregabalin are used. The functional medicine approach helps to review sleep, diet, gut health and stress.
What you can do
- Start with short walks or water exercise and increase little by little
- Keep fixed times for going to bed and getting up
- Pace your activities: avoid overdoing it on good days
- Make room for stress management
Seek care immediately if you have
- Fever, weight loss or swollen joints: they may point to another disease
- True muscle weakness, not just tiredness
- Thoughts of harming yourself: seek help immediately
Frequently asked questions
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition in which the nervous system processes pain in an amplified way (central sensitisation). It is real and affects quality of life, but it does not damage the joints or organs.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Diagnosis is clinical. Tests are used to rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency or inflammatory diseases.
How is fibromyalgia treated?
Gradual aerobic exercise is the treatment with the best evidence. It is complemented with sleep hygiene, stress management and cognitive behavioural therapy. In some patients, medicines such as amitriptyline, duloxetine or pregabalin are used. The functional medicine approach helps to review sleep, diet, gut health and stress.
General information reviewed by Dr. Paul Alejandro Méndez Patarroyo, internist and rheumatologist, Colombian Medical Licence 79554568. It does not replace a medical consultation.