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This page summarises publicly available NHS information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain and extreme tiredness. Other common symptoms include poor sleep, brain fog ('fibro fog'), headaches, and IBS-like symptoms. The exact cause is unclear, but it's thought to involve how the brain and nervous system process pain signals. There's no single test — diagnosis is based on symptoms after ruling out other conditions.

When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP

  • You have widespread pain that has lasted more than 3 months.
  • You feel exhausted despite sleeping, and rest doesn't help.
  • Pain and fatigue are affecting work, relationships, or daily life.
  • You have difficulty concentrating or memory problems alongside pain.
  • You're feeling low, anxious, or hopeless because of symptoms.
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Self-care information from NHS

  • Try gentle, regular exercise like swimming, walking, or yoga — slowly building up tolerance.
  • Pace activities to avoid 'boom and bust' cycles of overexertion and collapse.
  • Keep a regular sleep routine — go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
  • Try relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or CBT — these can reduce pain perception.
  • Eat a balanced diet and limit alcohol and caffeine.
  • Connect with others who have fibromyalgia through charities like Fibromyalgia Action UK.

Common questions

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There's no single test for fibromyalgia. A GP will ask about symptoms (widespread pain lasting more than 3 months, fatigue, sleep problems) and rule out other conditions with blood tests. Diagnosis can take time because symptoms overlap with many other conditions.

Is fibromyalgia a real disease?

Yes, fibromyalgia is recognised by the NHS and medical bodies worldwide. It's a real, debilitating condition — even though it doesn't show up on standard scans or blood tests, research shows real differences in how pain is processed in the nervous system.

What treatments help fibromyalgia?

There's no cure, but a combination approach works best: gentle exercise, CBT or talking therapy, pacing, and sometimes medication (antidepressants or nerve-pain drugs). A pain management clinic can help with complex cases.

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This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation. NorMed organises publicly available NHS information and is not affiliated with the NHS.