Chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Fibromyalgia
Chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, and memory issues.
It is believed to amplify painful sensations by affecting the way the brain processes pain signals.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may review pain location, injury, stiffness, swelling, numbness, weakness and functional limits. Examination and imaging or laboratory tests are selected based on history rather than automatically.
Care may include activity modification, exercise-based rehabilitation, medicines for a defined period, joint or specialist review, and return-to-activity planning. Ask how progress will be measured.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent assessment for inability to bear weight after injury, a deformed limb, severe back pain with bladder or bowel changes, new leg weakness, fever with severe joint or back pain, or a hot swollen joint.
Symptoms
- Widespread pain
- Fatigue
- Cognitive difficulties
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
Possible causes
- Genetic factors
- Infections
- Physical or emotional trauma
- Abnormal pain processing
Care and treatment options
- Pain relievers
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Physical therapy
- Stress management
Key points
- Affects 2-8% of population
- More common in women
- Often coexists with other conditions
- Cannot be cured but managed
Preparing for a consultation
- When symptoms began and whether injury or strain was involved.
- Activities that worsen or improve the problem.
- Pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness or weakness.
- Previous imaging, physiotherapy, medicines and work demands.
Questions worth asking
- Is Fibromyalgia the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Fibromyalgia?
Chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Fibromyalgia?
A clinician may review pain location, injury, stiffness, swelling, numbness, weakness and functional limits. Examination and imaging or laboratory tests are selected based on history rather than automatically.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Pain relievers, Antidepressants, Anti-seizure drugs, Physical therapy. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Fibromyalgia be checked urgently?
Seek urgent assessment for inability to bear weight after injury, a deformed limb, severe back pain with bladder or bowel changes, new leg weakness, fever with severe joint or back pain, or a hot swollen joint.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
When symptoms began and whether injury or strain was involved. Activities that worsen or improve the problem. Pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness or weakness. Previous imaging, physiotherapy, medicines and work demands. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Fibromyalgia can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.