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· Orthopedics
Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain and fatigue
A long-term condition of widespread body pain, fatigue and poor sleep, thought to come from how the brain processes pain signals.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- More common in women
- Typical age
- 30-50 years
- Outlook
- Manageable, not curable
- System
- Bones
Reviewed by a verified Orthopedics doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Altered pain processing in the brain
- Physical or emotional stress
- Family history
- Poor sleep
- Other rheumatic conditions
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Widespread aching pain
- Constant fatigue
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Headaches and low mood
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Graded exercise and stretching
- Good sleep habits
- Pain-modulating medicines
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Stress management
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Keep a regular sleep schedule
- Pace activity to avoid flares
- Stay gently active
- Manage stress
Do’s
- Exercise gently and regularly
- Keep consistent sleep and wake times
- Pace daily tasks
- Address stress and mood
Don’ts
- Push to exhaustion then crash
- Rely only on painkillers
- Become completely inactive
- Ignore depression or anxiety
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.