Fibromyalgia


Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological condition causing pain all over the body. It can cause similar symptoms to multiple sclerosis, and may be considered as an alternative diagnosis when your doctors are investigating your condition.

Fibromyalgia is also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) or just 'fibro'. As well as pain, it can also cause fatigue, headaches, muscle stiffness, sleep problems and problems with thinking and memory. These symptoms can change from day to day, sometimes feeling better or worse. 

This pattern of symptoms is also found in MS. Your neurologist will make a diagnosis is based on the symptoms you have, test results and by excluding other possible causes. There are no specific tests for fibromyalgia. It can sometimes be hard to feel sure that you have been given the right diagnosis. It is possible to be diagnosed with both MS and fibromyalgia.

If you are unsure whether you have the right diagnosis, you should consult your doctors. This may be your GP or neurologist. Before you meet, it may help to read more about both MS and fibromyalgia so you can explain your concerns. 

  • What is it about your experience that doesn't fit the diagnosis you have been given? 
  • What do you think might indicate that a different diagnosis is possible? 

Be prepared to listen too. Your doctor has professional medical expertise to call on, and should be able to explain why they have made the diagnosis they have for you.

You can read our information pages if you are worried you have MS or you need information about the early signs of MS.

Fibromyalgia charities such as Fibromyalgia Action UK or UK Fibromyalgia may be helpful in providing expert information.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Unlike multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disorder. Instead, researchers believe that it is caused by changes in the way that your nerves process pain signals. In a person with fibromyalgia, painful signals are amplified, meaning that painful sensations are felt around the body. 

Fibromyalgia can be found in anyone, but is more common in women than men. It usually develops between 25 and 55 years old.

There may be some genetic component to fibromyalgia. It is found slightly more often in people with a family member who already has a fibromyalgia diagnosis. This does not mean that it is always passed down directly through the generations. People with no family history of fibromyalgia can also develop the condition too. 

Some people feel that they developed fibromyalgia as a result of a physically or emotionally difficult experience such as an injury, stress or traumatic life event. More research is needed to understand what makes developing fibromyalgia more likely in some people than others.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, but it is possible to manage the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with.

Exercise and relaxation programmes are recommended treatments and can help to manage pain in fibromyalgia and MS. Other treatments offered may include talking therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication. 

By suggesting psychological therapies or antidepressants, health professionals are not suggesting that fibromyalgia is not a real, physical condition. There is evidence to show that they can help people with chronic pain conditions to manage their painful symptoms and modify the way the brain handles pain messages. This can have a long-term positive outcome for living with fibromyalgia.

If initial treatments are ineffective, you may wish to ask for a referral to a pain management clinic where you can get specialist assessment and advice.

Find out more

Fibromyalgia - NHS/: NHS information page on fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia vs MS: understanding the difference: An article from an online peer support network.

Neuropathic pain: the invisible illness: Our article on nerve pain in MS.

Will asks the expert about pain: Our podcast reflecting on neuropathic pain management in MS.

Fibromyalgia and us: Living with fibromyalgia: A comic developed by the University of Dundee to explain fibromyalgia to health professionals and the public.

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