Fibromyalgia
A condition of widespread, long-lasting pain with fatigue and poor sleep — real, common, and often missed because tests come back normal. It does not damage the body, and it is manageable.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition of widespread, long-lasting pain together with fatigue, poor sleep and often difficulty concentrating. It is not a disease of the joints themselves — the joints and muscles are not inflamed or damaged — but the way the nervous system processes pain signals is amplified, so the body feels pain more intensely and more widely than it should.
It is common, affects women more often than men, and is frequently misunderstood. Because standard tests come back normal, many people are told "nothing is wrong" for years. Fibromyalgia is real, and it is manageable with the right approach.
Symptoms to recognise
The pattern is what matters more than any single symptom:
- Pain felt all over the body — both sides, above and below the waist — lasting more than three months
- Deep, persistent fatigue that isn't fixed by rest
- Unrefreshing sleep — waking as tired as you went to bed
- "Fibro fog" — trouble concentrating, remembering or finding words
- Tender, sensitive areas; headaches; irritable bowel; heightened sensitivity to cold, noise or light
- Symptoms that worsen with stress, poor sleep or weather changes
What causes it?
Fibromyalgia is thought to involve a change in how the brain and spinal cord process pain — "central sensitisation." It often begins after a physical or emotional stress, an illness, or a period of poor sleep, and there is a genetic tendency. It is not caused by injury to the muscles or joints, it is not in your head, and it is not progressive or damaging to the body.
When should you see a rheumatologist?
See a rheumatologist if you have widespread pain and fatigue for more than three months, especially if you've been told your tests are normal but you still feel unwell. Two things matter: confirming the diagnosis so you have an explanation, and — importantly — ruling out inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or thyroid problems that can mimic fibromyalgia and need different treatment.
How it is diagnosed
There is no single test. Diagnosis is clinical:
- Your history — the pattern, duration and spread of pain, fatigue and sleep
- Examination — to confirm there is no joint swelling or inflammation
- Blood tests — mainly to exclude other causes (inflammation markers, thyroid, vitamin D, and others as needed)
How it is treated
Treatment works best as a combination, and it focuses on calming the nervous system and restoring function:
- Graded, regular exercise — the most effective single treatment; gentle and built up slowly
- Sleep improvement — since poor sleep drives the pain cycle
- Medication where helpful — certain medicines that act on pain processing and sleep, chosen for the individual
- Pacing and stress management — practical strategies that reduce flares
- Education and reassurance — understanding the condition is itself part of the treatment
Fibromyalgia does not damage the body, and with a consistent plan most people regain a good quality of life.
Pain all over, tests all normal?
That pattern deserves a proper assessment — both to confirm fibromyalgia and to rule out conditions that mimic it. Consultations are walk-in, no appointment needed.
Clinic timings & location