Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain all over the body. It can be a lifelong condition, although there are treatments that help to relieve pain and make living with the symptoms much easier. The name fibromyalgia comes from the words fibrous tissue (fibro), muscles (my) and pain (algia).
It’s a syndrome (FMS), which means it can cause a collection of symptoms. Alongside pain, these include tiredness, headaches, bowel symptoms (bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty concentrating and remembering, sleep disturbances (including restless leg syndrome), muscle stiffness and increased sensitivity to pain. However, fibromyalgia is not a type of arthritis and so joints are not usually affected but many areas of the body can feel tender when pressed.
About 1 in 25 people develop fibromyalgia at some time, and it’s much more common in women than in men. It typically begins between the ages of 25 and 55, and has often been present for a long time before it’s diagnosed.
Symptoms may wax and wane, so the aims of treatment are to keep most symptoms at bay, and reduce the severity of symptoms if you get a flare-up. Fibromyalgia can also go hand-in-hand with other conditions, including depression and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Who gets fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose as many of the symptoms can belong to a number of other conditions or may be mild and put down to expected aches and pains in life.
The cause of fibromyalgia is not clearly understood. It is more common in women, can occur at any age, and in some people it may relate to significant stressful events such as physical injuries or the death of a loved one, but there is evidence that genetics also play a part. One current theory is that fibromyalgia is actually a pain problem, caused by the central nervous system having excessive levels of pain stimulators. These respond to muscle triggers – in the absence of any injury – by causing excessive pain in that area. Studies have also shown that people with fibromyalgia have changes to their pain messaging system between the brain, spinal cord and nerves from the spine to the limbs, trunk and head.
It might be worth keeping a diary so you can identify triggers that make symptoms worse and avoiding these where possible, or doing more of what can help. This includes treating body and mind – exercising improves mobility and reduces pain, and it releases endorphins in the body to make you feel better mentally. Investing time in rest and relaxation can also help.
Some people report certain foods and stress as triggers, others find it hard to pinpoint a pattern.
Healthwords pharmacists' top tips
Pain and stiffness associated with inflammation around muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues can be alleviated to some extent by over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
A warm bath or hot compresses can also be soothing on hot spots of pain or inflammation.
For more severe pain, your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives on prescription. In 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance on chronic pain - which is one of the key symptoms in fibromyalgia – and stressed the risk of addiction with the long-term use of strong opioid painkillers (if you’re taking these, don’t suddenly stop them but speak with your doctor first). NICE now recommends the use of antidepressants in the treatment of chronic pain rather than the prolonged use of painkillers (which remain appropriate in the treatment of acute pain).
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Am I fit for work?
You may be fit for work depending on your occupation and the severity of your symptoms.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have bothersome symptoms of pain, tiredness, difficulty sleeping or bowel symptoms, you should discuss this with your doctor in a routine appointment. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is usually made from the history and examination as there’s no specific test for the condition.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and, if you are comfortable, examine you. Depending on the possible diagnosis, blood tests, urine tests, or imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan) could be carried out, or you may be referred to a specialist department. The doctor may also prescribe some medication to help with your symptoms.
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