Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain with fatigue, disturbed sleep and cognitive difficulty.
Last revised
Key takeaways
- Core features: widespread pain, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive difficulty
- Classified as: chronic primary pain in current guidance
- Most useful single change: Start exercise at a level well below what feels possible, and build slowly.
- Commonest mistake: Long-term opioids.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
Why it matters
It is a recognised condition with real mechanisms, and treatment is largely non-pharmacological.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Core features | widespread pain, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive difficulty |
| Classified as | chronic primary pain in current guidance |
| Best-supported treatments | graded exercise, CBT or ACT, sleep management |
| Medicines | limited role; most are not recommended to start |
| Diagnosis | clinical, after excluding other causes |
What helps
- Start exercise at a level well below what feels possible, and build slowly
- Treat sleep specifically; it drives much of the pain and fatigue
- Ask about psychological therapies focused on function
- Pace activity rather than pushing through
What to avoid
- Long-term opioids
- Prolonged rest, which worsens symptoms
- Repeated investigations once other causes have been excluded
Where to go next
- Fibromyalgia: Just the Figures
- Fibromyalgia: What the Evidence Actually Says
- Psychological Therapies for Pain: What Published Guidance Supports
- What the Guidance Really Says About Sleep and Chronic Pain
When to get help
See a GP for new symptoms that differ from your usual pattern, including joint swelling, rash, fever, weight loss, or new weakness — fibromyalgia does not cause these and they suggest another condition. Seek assessment for worsening low mood, and contact the Samaritans on 116 123 if you have thoughts of self-harm.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.