Fibromyalgia, now known as “chronic widespread pain” or “chronic primary pain’, is a complex chronic pain condition that may appear ‘invisible’ to others.
Fibromyalgia/CWP has an unquestionable impact on those afflicted by it. It affects how your brain and nervous system process pain signals, and can also cause significant and serious fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Being able to recognise and understand the signs of this condition is the first step toward getting the support you need with chronic pain management for this condition, as well as help with improving fatigue and functionality.
What is Fibromyalgia or Chronic Widespread Pain (CWP)?
Fibromyalgia is a central sensitisation disorder, meaning that the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain and other stimuli. Since it affects how your body processes incoming signals, it can make even the slightest sensations feel more intense, causing unusually strong reactions of pain and discomfort.
One of the most difficult things about fibromyalgia is how incredibly unpredictable it can be – symptoms come and go, change in intensity, and no two people will experience it in the same way. Some days, you might feel somewhat okay; other days, even getting out of bed and taking care of yourself can feel like an enormous challenge.
Fibromyalgia also shares symptoms with many other conditions, which often leads to misdiagnosis. The pain might be confused with arthritis, or it might be seen as a sign of lupus or hypothyroidism. This is why it’s so important to be able to identify its key signs, to know what it is, and what it isn’t.
You might struggle to keep up with work, household tasks, and socialising. Despite these challenges, hope is not lost – understanding chronic pain and the condition itself, along with early intervention, can help you to manage your symptoms and provide relief.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia/CWP
How do you recognise the signs of Fibromyalgia?
Widespread Pain
The most well-known symptom of fibromyalgia is persistent, widespread pain in joints, muscles, and soft tissue that lasts for at least three months. Felt on both sides of the body as well as above and below the waist, it may affect the neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs.
It’s often described as a constant dull ache that can feel like stiffness, burning, stabbing, or throbbing. The pain ranges from mild to severe, with flare-ups and periods of improvement. It can also shift from one area to another and can worsen with strenuous physical activity, stress, or even changes in the weather.
The main difference between fibromyalgia and a condition like arthritis is that arthritis causes inflammation and changes to the body that may be visible on imaging, whereas fibromyalgia does not.
Profound Fatigue
If you’re dealing with fibromyalgia, you might feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep. It’s not just normal tiredness – it may feel extreme and unrelenting. Some people describe it as feeling like they have the flu all the time, while others feel affected after doing something as mild as taking a shower or getting dressed.
This happens because fibromyalgia can disrupt your sleep, known as ‘non-restorative’ sleep – meaning you don’t reach the deep, restful stages you need to wake up feeling refreshed. Many people with fibromyalgia also have sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome (an uncontrollable urge to move your legs) and sleep apnoea (repeated pauses in breathing during sleep).
Cognitive difficulties (“Fibro Fog”)
Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you were there? Or struggled to find the right words in a conversation? This is known as ‘fibro fog’, a common symptom of fibromyalgia that affects your memory, concentration, and ability to think clearly.
You might feel like your brain is constantly in a haze or under water, making it hard to focus on everyday tasks, follow what others are saying (you might also speak more slowly than usual), and have trouble remembering and learning new things. Some people describe it as feeling like their brain is lagging behind, making it harder to process information quickly.
Other Associated Symptoms of Fibromyalgia/CWP?
Chronic widespread pan can also cause a range of other symptoms, such as:
· Sleep disturbances: You may struggle with insomnia, restless sleep, or waking up feeling as if you haven’t rested at all.
· Mood disorders: Anxiety and depression are common as chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health.
· Increased sensitivity: You may notice that bright lights, loud noises, smells, or even slight touches can bother you. You could also be unusually reactive to changes in temperature, feeling overwhelmed by sudden hot or cold temperature fluctuations.
· Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Digestive issues such as bloating, cramping, and irregular bowel movements can occur alongside fibromyalgia.
· Migraines and headaches: Frequent headaches, including migraines, are another frustrating symptom.
· Tingling or numbness: A sensation of pins and needles in the hands and feet can also present.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
How is Fibromyalgia/CWP diagnosed?
If you recognise some of these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, you might be wondering how this condition is diagnosed. Unlike many other conditions that can be detected through blood tests or imaging, fibromyalgia doesn’t show up on standard medical tests. This can make the diagnostic process frustrating, especially if your pain has been dismissed in the past.
Instead of relying on lab results, doctors diagnose fibromyalgia based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, and specific assessment measures that evaluate the severity and widespread nature of your pain.
Because symptoms overlap with many other conditions, doctors often need to rule out other illnesses first. This can take time, and not all healthcare professionals understand fibromyalgia/CWS, or have certain misconceptions. If your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, a thorough evaluation by a pain specialist might make all the difference. The sooner you have a diagnosis; the sooner you can find ways to manage, and cut down, pain levels and fatigue.
Managing Fibromyalgia or Chronic Widespread Pain
Can Fibromyalgia symptoms be managed?
Even though fibromyalgia or chronic widespread pain is a chronic condition, there are many treatment options that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. You just need to find the right combination of strategies that work best for you.
Treatments
· Medication: Medication is typically not the mainstay of fibromyalgia care, although certain types of medications may help.
· Physical therapy: A physiotherapist can give you stretches and exercises to loosen, relax, and strengthen your muscles and joints. Massage or 'hands-on' physiotherapy is typically not effective.
· Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): A mental health professional can help you to develop coping strategies for managing pain and stress.
· Lifestyle adjustments: Small changes like improving sleep habits, incorporating relaxation techniques, and working with a dietician to maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can provide relief.
· Exercise and movement therapy: Exercise or regular physical activity has the best evidence for efficacy in terms of managing fibromyalgia. Regular, low-impact exercise like swimming or hydrotherapy, yoga, and walking, can help reduce symptoms over time.
· Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist can assist you in navigating your daily routine if you’re experiencing severe symptoms that make it hard to participate in regular activities.
If you’d like to incorporate these strategies, consider consulting a multidisciplinary pain management team. This approach is ideal when you need a personalised treatment plan suited to your unique circumstances and goals.
At The Pain Collective, our specialists are here to guide you through diagnosis and treatment, helping you live a full and active life despite your condition. With the right combination of treatments, you can better manage your symptoms and live a life beyond pain.
Call 087 550 0644 or email info@healthcollectiveheal.com for an appointment at any clinic.