What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in many parts of your body. You may feel the pain in your muscles and joints.

Fibromyalgia affects about 2 in every 100 people. It's more common in females than males, and usually affects people aged 20 to 60 years.

While the cause is not completely clear, fibromyalgia is a real illness and treatments are available.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic (ongoing) pain that comes and goes and affects many areas of your body.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia can include:

• stiffness of your joints or muscles
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• difficulty sleeping
• problems with concentration and attention (sometimes called ‘fibro fog')
• being more sensitive to touch, temperature, light, smell and noise
• numbness and tingling

You might also have headaches and symptoms of:

• anxiety
• depression
• irritable bowel syndrome
• obstructive sleep apnoea

People with fibromyalgia often find their symptoms come and go. You may have a 'flare', where your symptoms get suddenly worse. You may find that your symptoms can sometimes be triggered by things such as:

• stress
• being unwell
• poor sleep
• exerting yourself too much

What causes fibromyalgia?

The cause of fibromyalgia is not completely understood. Several body systems and functions are involved, including:

• the nervous system
• the endocrine system (hormones)
• the immune system
• sleep changes
• genetic changes

Studies have indicated that people with fibromyalgia have increased pain sensitivity.

Risk factors

Your risk of fibromyalgia may be increased if you have:

• a family history of fibromyalgia
• an autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• a chronic (ongoing) pain condition such as osteoarthritis
• sleep problems
• migraines

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have symptoms of pain in many parts of your body as well as tiredness, and think you may have fibromyalgia.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them. A diagnosis of fibromyalgia can only be made if you have had symptoms for at least 3 months.

Your doctor will ask if anything makes your symptoms better or worse, and about your general health. They will also want to know whether your symptoms stop you doing things and affect your quality of life.

Your doctor will examine you and may note areas of tenderness throughout your body.

There is no one test that can be used to diagnose fibromyalgia. But your doctor may recommend tests such as:

• blood tests
• x-rays or other scans

These tests can help check for and rule out other conditions.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist doctor called a rheumatologist for further treatment. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also refer you to a:

• physiotherapist
• occupational therapist
• psychologist

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. But there are treatments available to help with your symptoms. A combination of treatments may be recommended.

Your doctor should discuss with you the treatments that are most suitable for your situation. They should also help empower you to self-manage your day-to-day symptoms. This has been shown to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

An important part of self-management is pacing yourself. This means taking regular, short rest breaks during the day to help with your energy levels. Try to balance activities across the day or week.

It can be helpful to know that while the pain of fibromyalgia is real, it's not caused by tissue damage. And will not get progressively worse.

Physical activity

Physical activity can reduce your pain and tiredness and help improve your sleep and mood. Exercise should be introduced slowly.

A physiotherapist can help you design an exercise program that will work for you. Walking or water-based exercise may be a good place to start. Activities that combine exercise and relaxation, such as tai chi and yoga, have also been shown to help.

Sleep

Try some self-care measures to help improve your sleep.

If your doctor prescribes medicine for your fibromyalgia, they will consider your sleep needs — some medicines can help with sleep.

Medicines

Medicines can be helpful when combined with lifestyle changes. The medicines your doctor recommends will depend on your symptoms.

Some of the possible options are:

• certain antidepressant medicines
• medicines used to treat nerve pain
• other pain-relief medicines

Your doctor will discuss the benefits and side effects of the different medicines.

Also talk to your doctor to make sure any other conditions you have are being treated and well controlled.

Psychological therapies

Psychological therapies have been shown to help with some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. A psychologist may recommend therapies such as:

• cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
• mindfulness
• meditation

What are the complications of fibromyalgia?

People with fibromyalgia may have more pain after surgery and other procedures. You may also have a higher risk of post-operative complications.

People with fibromyalgia have an increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicide.

Can fibromyalgia be prevented?

There are no known ways to prevent fibromyalgia.

Resources and Support

Arthritis Australia has developed a booklet called ‘Taking control of your fibromyalgia'.

Fibromyalgia Australia has information on fibromyalgia for patients, doctors and the community.

The painHEALTH website has information, tips, support and personal stories to help you manage musculoskeletal pain, and has a page on fibromyalgia.

The Pain Management Network has information about chronic pain for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Beyond Blue offers support for anxiety, depression and suicide — call on 1300 22 4636 or chat to a counsellor online.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.