Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 729.1      ICD10: M79.7      ICD11: MG30.01

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory and mood issues.
It's often described as a heightened and painful response to pressure.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

Widespread Pain: This is the hallmark symptom. The pain is typically described as a constant, dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. It must occur on both sides of your body (left and right) and above and below your waist to be considered widespread.
Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia often experience debilitating fatigue, even after sleeping. It can feel like an overwhelming exhaustion that interferes with daily activities.
Sleep Disturbances: Many individuals with fibromyalgia have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Sleep is often unrefreshing, meaning they wake up feeling tired.
Cognitive Difficulties ("Fibro Fog"): This refers to trouble with concentration, memory, and thinking clearly. It can affect the ability to focus, remember information, and perform tasks that require mental effort.
Other Symptoms: Fibromyalgia can also be associated with:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Headaches and migraines
Anxiety and depression
Restless legs syndrome
Sensitivity to light, noise, temperature, and odors
Painful menstrual periods

Causes:

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's believed to involve a combination of factors, including:

Genetics: Fibromyalgia may run in families.
Infections: Some illnesses may trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
Physical or Emotional Trauma: Traumatic events, such as car accidents or abuse, can sometimes trigger the condition.
Central Sensitization: This refers to an increased sensitivity to pain in the brain and spinal cord. In people with fibromyalgia, the brain may process pain signals differently, leading to a heightened perception of pain.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging because there's no specific test to confirm it. Doctors typically rely on a combination of factors, including:

Medical History: Reviewing the patient's symptoms and medical history.
Physical Examination: Checking for tenderness at specific "tender points" on the body. While the tender point exam is less emphasized now than in the past, widespread pain is still the main diagnostic criterion.
Ruling Out Other Conditions: Performing blood tests and other diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

Treatment:

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but a variety of treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment approaches often involve a combination of:

Medications:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may provide some relief. In some cases, prescription pain medications may be necessary, but opioids are generally avoided due to the risk of dependence and other side effects.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella), are approved to treat fibromyalgia. They can help reduce pain, improve sleep, and alleviate depression.
Anti-seizure drugs: Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) can help reduce pain and improve sleep.
Therapy:
Physical therapy: Exercise, stretching, and other physical therapy techniques can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can help people with fibromyalgia find ways to modify their daily activities to reduce pain and fatigue.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help people with fibromyalgia develop coping skills to manage pain, stress, and other symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes:
Exercise: Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can help improve pain, fatigue, and sleep.
Stress management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress, which can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
Sleep hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help improve sleep.
Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help improve overall health and reduce inflammation.

Living with Fibromyalgia:

Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Support groups, online communities, and educational programs can provide valuable information and support. It's also important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.