What is Fibromyalgia?
A condition where the main symptom is long lasting pain that affects the whole body. The pain is not brought on by injury.
Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to the painful areas. It is thought to be due to a hypersensitive pain system.
Fibromyalgia is not:
- Due to psychological or emotional problems
- Due to being unfit and not getting enough exercise
- “All in the head” or imagined
There is agreement within the medical community that fibromyalgia and ME/CFS are similar conditions, and may be related. However, the major difference between the two conditions is the predominant symptom. Although the two conditions share widespread pain, fatigue and a variety of similar symptoms, their primary features are different. While the primary feature of fibromyalgia is widespread pain, the primary feature of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise (PEM).
What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Along with widespread pain and tenderness, people with Fibromyalgia also often:
- Feel very tired and have no energy pain – usually aching, stiffness and tiredness of muscles. Pain may be worse after rest (eg. first thing in the morning) or after activity
- Have trouble getting to or staying asleep extreme fatigue (tiredness), making it difficult to do your normal daily activities
- Have problems concentrating or remembering things. Some people call this “Fibro Fog”
Some people may also :
- Experience headaches
- Be hypersensitive to certain sounds, light or the temperature
- Sometime feel frustrated, worried and ‘down’
- Have irritable bowel symptoms (diarrhoea, stomach pain, bloating )
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
It is not known what causes fibromyalgia. It may be more common in people who have:
- Inflammatory arthritis (for example, rheumatoid arthritis)
- An illness, such as a virus (or following an illness or infection)
- Experienced emotional stress and depression
How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
People can wait many years to be diagnosed. There is no special test to diagnose fibromyalgia. Your doctor or rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) will look for a number of features that are typical of fibromyalgia to diagnose the condition. Pain must have been present for 3 months or more.
What will Happen to Me?
The good news is that the muscles and joints of people with fibromyalgia are not being damaged. It is important to remember that, with help and better understanding, the symptoms can be effectively managed.
How is Fibromyalgia Managed?
Working with a healthcare team, family, friends and community organisations can help you manage your condition.
Medicines: Common pain relievers and anti inflammatory medications are usually not effective. Strong pain medications are also rarely effective and may make your pain worse. Your doctor may prescribe medications similar to ones used for nerve pain.
Team Based Care: Your care is likely to involve many different healthcare professionals, although how this will work will vary from person to person. If you attend a clinic in a public hospital, most of your team-based care will be organised through the clinic.
More people will see a private rheumatologist. In this situation, your GP may coordinate most of your care. They will communicate with your rheumatologist, pain specialist, sleep specialist and arrange many of your tests and prescriptions. They may also refer you to allied health workers, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist (OT), for support in the home or community.
Counselling: Many people find that counselling can help when dealing with the emotional aspects of fibromyalgia. A psychologist or social worker may also be an important person in your healthcare team.
Exercise, healthy eating and lifestyle: Physical activity is even more important for people with fibromyalgia. Slowly increasing your daily activity can improve your function, quality of life and reduce fatigue. Low impact activities such as walking, swimming, hydrotherapy or yoga.
You can also play an active role by not smoking, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet.
What is a Flare?
A sudden, temporary worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms. Some warning signs of a fibromyalgia flare include increased:
- pain
- fatigue
- sleep disturbance
- cognitive difficulties
- sensitivity to stimuli
For some people, symptoms are so bad that doing everyday tasks becomes impossible.
Although flares can be difficult to predict, there are some things you can do to reduce their number and how long they last. You can also make a flare plan with your doctor or health team.
If your symptoms are severe or last for more than a few days then contact your doctor, who can prescribe additional medications or alter your regular medications until the flare subsides.
Want to Learn More About Fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia Booklet https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3041-Taking-Control-of-Fibromyalgia-Booklet-web.pdf
Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4042-AA-Info-Sheet-Fibromyalgia-AA046-08-24-ISS1.pdf
Emerge Australia https://www.emerge.org.au/associated-conditions/
