Our grateful thanks to Fibromyalgia Action UK for their contribution to our radio report, which you can hear again at the bottom of this plage - you can find a link to the charity on our links page.
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain across the body, along with fatigue, sleep problems, and difficulties with memory and concentration (often described as “fibro fog”). Although it’s a relatively common condition in the UK, it’s still widely misunderstood and can be challenging to diagnose.
Fibromyalgia affects the way the brain and nervous system process pain signals. People with the condition may experience pain more intensely than those without it. It’s not caused by inflammation or damage to the joints or muscles, but rather by changes in how the body interprets pain.
Common symptoms. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but typically include:
Symptoms often come and go, and may be triggered or worsened by stress, physical activity, weather changes, or lack of sleep.
What causes it? The exact cause of fibromyalgia isn’t fully understood. Research suggests it may be linked to:
Diagnosis. There’s no single test for fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, medical history, and ruling out other conditions. Healthcare professionals may use guidelines such as those from NHS to help identify the condition.
Treatment and management. While there’s currently no cure, fibromyalgia can be managed effectively with the right combination of treatments. These may include:
Self-management plays a key role, and many people find that understanding their triggers helps them better control symptoms.
Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging, but support is available. (See our links page to reach Fibromyalgia Action UK) l Many people find that pacing activities, maintaining a healthy routine, and seeking support from healthcare professionals or support groups can make a significant difference.
If you think you may have symptoms of fibromyalgia, it’s important to speak to your GP for advice and guidance.
Listen to this weeks radio report
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