--- title: "Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | infoMD" description: "Fibromyalgia causes widespread body pain. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to manage fibromyalgia with guidance from medical experts." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Fibromyalgia", "alternateName": [ "Fibromyalgia Syndrome", "FMS" ], "description": "Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness, often accompanied by sleep problems, memory issues, and mood disturbances. Researchers believe it amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way the brain processes pain signals.", "associatedAnatomy": { "@type": "AnatomicalSystem", "name": "Musculoskeletal" }, "signOrSymptom": [ { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Widespread body pain" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Chronic fatigue" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Cognitive difficulties (fibro fog)" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Sleep disturbances" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Heightened pain sensitivity" } ], "possibleTreatment": [ { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Regular aerobic exercise - even gentle activities like walking or water aerobics" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Stress reduction through mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Pacing activities to avoid overdoing it on good days" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Balanced nutrition with anti-inflammatory foods" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Duloxetine (Cymbalta) - an SNRI antidepressant approved for fibromyalgia" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Pregabalin (Lyrica) - an anticonvulsant that reduces pain signals" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Milnacipran (Savella) - an SNRI specifically approved for fibromyalgia" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Low-dose amitriptyline for sleep and pain" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine for short-term use" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild flares" } ], "riskFactor": [ { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Being female (women are diagnosed 7 times more often than men)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Family history of fibromyalgia" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Having another rheumatic condition like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "History of physical or emotional trauma" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Obesity" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Repetitive injuries or overuse of joints" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Viral infections" } ], "typicalTest": "Physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is fibromyalgia a real disease?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, fibromyalgia is a recognized medical condition accepted by all major medical organizations, including the American College of Rheumatology, the World Health Organization, and the National Institutes of Health. Research has identified measurable differences in how the brains of people with fibromyalgia process pain signals, confirming it as a disorder of central pain processing." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can fibromyalgia go away on its own?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that typically does not go away completely. However, symptoms can fluctuate significantly over time, and many people experience long periods of improvement with proper treatment. A combination of exercise, stress management, medication, and lifestyle adjustments can lead to substantial symptom reduction." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What triggers a fibromyalgia flare?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Common triggers include physical overexertion, emotional stress, poor sleep, weather changes (especially cold or damp conditions), hormonal fluctuations, illness or infection, and dietary factors. Identifying your personal triggers through a symptom diary can help you anticipate and manage flares more effectively." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can men get fibromyalgia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. While fibromyalgia is diagnosed much more frequently in women, men can and do develop the condition. Some research suggests that men with fibromyalgia may be underdiagnosed because they may present with somewhat different symptom patterns or be less likely to seek medical attention for chronic pain." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does fibromyalgia get worse with age?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Fibromyalgia does not necessarily worsen with age. Many people find that their symptoms improve over time, especially with consistent treatment and lifestyle modifications. However, the effects of aging - such as reduced activity and other age-related conditions - can interact with fibromyalgia symptoms. Staying active and engaged in treatment is key." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://infomd.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Conditions", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Musculoskeletal", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/body-system/musculoskeletal" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Fibromyalgia", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/fibromyalgia" } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main-content) [![infoMD](/assets/infomd-logo-CtvTblFD.png)](/) [Home](/) [Conditions](/conditions) [Glossary](/glossary)[Shop](/shop) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Conditions](/conditions) 3. [Musculoskeletal](/conditions/body-system/musculoskeletal) 4. Fibromyalgia Musculoskeletal [Women's Health](/topics/womens-health)[Pain Management](/topics/pain-management) # Fibromyalgia Also known as: Fibromyalgia Syndrome, FMS infoMD Editorial Team February 5, 2025 8 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Ffibromyalgia)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Ffibromyalgia&text=Fibromyalgia) ### Quick Facts Type Chronic Affects Women 7 times more often than men, typically diagnosed in middle age Prevalence Affects approximately 4 million U.S. adults, about 2% of the adult population Treatable Manageable with a combination of medications, exercise, stress management, and sleep improvement See a Specialist Rheumatologist or Pain Management Specialist ICD-10 Code M79.7 ## Overview Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness throughout the body. It affects the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, amplifying painful sensations. People with fibromyalgia often describe their pain as a constant dull ache that persists for months. Beyond pain, fibromyalgia causes a constellation of symptoms including debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties often called "fibro fog." Many people with the condition also experience headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression. These overlapping symptoms can make diagnosis challenging, as no single test confirms the condition. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a combination of medications, exercise, stress management, and sleep improvement can help manage symptoms effectively. Understanding that fibromyalgia is a real, recognized medical condition - not "all in your head" - is an important first step toward getting proper care and support. ## Symptoms Recognizing the symptoms of fibromyalgia early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. ### Early Symptoms - Widespread aching pain lasting more than three months - Fatigue even after sleeping for long periods - Waking up tired despite adequate sleep - Difficulty concentrating or paying attention (fibro fog) - Heightened sensitivity to pain, temperature, or pressure ### Advanced Symptoms - Severe, debilitating fatigue that limits daily activities - Chronic headaches or migraines - Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms - Numbness or tingling in hands and feet - Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders - Painful bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis When to See a Doctor See a doctor if you experience widespread body pain lasting more than three months, especially if accompanied by persistent fatigue, sleep problems, or difficulty thinking clearly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life. ## Causes & Risk Factors ### Common Causes - Central sensitization - the brain and spinal cord amplify pain signals - Genetic predisposition (fibromyalgia tends to run in families) - Physical trauma such as a car accident or surgery - Prolonged psychological stress or emotional trauma - Infections that may trigger or worsen the condition - Abnormalities in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine ### Risk Factors - Being female (women are diagnosed 7 times more often than men) - Family history of fibromyalgia - Having another rheumatic condition like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis - History of physical or emotional trauma - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Obesity - Repetitive injuries or overuse of joints - Viral infections ## How It's Diagnosed Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with many other conditions and there is no definitive lab test or imaging study that confirms it. Doctors typically diagnose fibromyalgia based on a thorough medical history, physical examination, and the presence of widespread pain lasting at least three months with no other underlying condition that could explain the symptoms. The current diagnostic criteria, updated by the American College of Rheumatology, use a Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) to assess the extent and intensity of symptoms. Blood tests such as a complete blood count, thyroid function tests, and inflammatory markers are usually ordered to rule out other conditions like hypothyroidism, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. ## Treatment Options ### Lifestyle Changes - Regular aerobic exercise - even gentle activities like walking or water aerobics - Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene - Stress reduction through mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises - Pacing activities to avoid overdoing it on good days - Balanced nutrition with anti-inflammatory foods - Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco ### Medications - Duloxetine (Cymbalta) - an SNRI antidepressant approved for fibromyalgia - Pregabalin (Lyrica) - an anticonvulsant that reduces pain signals - Milnacipran (Savella) - an SNRI specifically approved for fibromyalgia - Low-dose amitriptyline for sleep and pain - Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine for short-term use - Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild flares ### Complementary Approaches - Acupuncture for pain management - Massage therapy to ease muscle tension and improve circulation - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to develop pain coping strategies - Tai chi and yoga for gentle movement and stress relief - Hydrotherapy (warm water therapy) for pain and stiffness ## Living With Fibromyalgia Living with fibromyalgia requires learning to listen to your body and developing strategies for managing the unpredictable nature of symptoms. Many people find that keeping a symptom diary helps identify triggers - such as weather changes, stress, or overexertion - that worsen flares. Pacing yourself throughout the day and breaking tasks into smaller segments can help conserve energy. Building a support system is essential. This might include a healthcare team experienced with fibromyalgia, supportive family and friends, and connections with others who have the condition through support groups. Many people also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches practical coping skills for dealing with chronic pain and the emotional challenges that come with it. ## Potential Complications - Significant reduction in quality of life - Inability to work or perform daily activities during severe flares - Depression and anxiety (common comorbidities) - Social isolation due to unpredictable symptoms - Medication side effects from long-term pain management - Relationship strain due to invisible nature of the illness ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is fibromyalgia a real disease? ### Can fibromyalgia go away on its own? ### What triggers a fibromyalgia flare? ### Can men get fibromyalgia? ### Does fibromyalgia get worse with age? * * * ## Sources 1. Fibromyalgia. Mayo Clinic . 2. Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases . 3. Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . 4. Fibromyalgia. American College of Rheumatology . Medical Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reviewed By infoMD Editorial Team Last reviewed: March 15, 2025 In This Article [Overview](#overview)[Symptoms](#symptoms)[Causes & Risk Factors](#causes-risk-factors)[How It's Diagnosed](#how-it-s-diagnosed)[Treatment Options](#treatment-options)[Living With Fibromyalgia](#living-with-fibromyalgia)[Potential Complications](#potential-complications)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Sources](#sources) ### Quick Facts Type Chronic Affects Women 7 times more often than men, typically diagnosed in middle age Prevalence Affects approximately 4 million U.S. adults, about 2% of the adult population Treatable Manageable with a combination of medications, exercise, stress management, and sleep improvement See a Specialist Rheumatologist or Pain Management Specialist ICD-10 Code M79.7 Advertisement Was this page helpful? 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