Fibromyalgia: Your Questions Answered

Fibromyalgia causes pain and tiredness across the whole body. It does not damage your spine, joints or muscles, and it does not get worse over time. Most people are not cured, but most learn to manage it well and live a fairly normal life.

Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, Last reviewed September 2026

💡 What is fibromyalgia?

It is a condition where muscles and soft tissues hurt all over the body. Many spots are also very tender when pressed. Nobody knows what causes it yet.

🦴 Is it a spine problem?

No, though it is easy to mistake for one. Back and neck pain are common in fibromyalgia. But the pain does not come from a slipped disc or a squeezed nerve, and spine scans usually show nothing that explains it. If you also have back pain, The Back Pain Guide is a good place to start.

😴 What other symptoms can it cause?

Pain is only part of the picture. Many people feel tired all the time, even after a full night's sleep. Others also notice:

• foggy thinking and trouble concentrating
• headaches and flu-like aches
• low mood or anxiety
• stomach pain, or loose or hard stools
• bladder discomfort, or needing to pass urine often
• jaw problems

🩸 Is there a test for it?

No. There is no scan or blood test that confirms it. Your doctor first looks for other causes, such as arthritis or a hormone problem. If none is found and you have widespread pain along with poor sleep, tiredness or foggy thinking, fibromyalgia becomes the likely answer.

⚖️ How is it different from spine pain or arthritis?

Fibromyalgia pain is widespread. It usually affects both sides of the body, above and below the waist. Spine pain tends to sit in one area, and it may travel down one arm or leg with tingling or numbness. Arthritis often brings swollen, stiff joints, especially in the morning. If you are unsure which one you have, get it checked. Sorting this out is a big part of a good consultation.

🌱 Can it be cured?

Some people do get better on their own. Most do not get a complete cure. The good news: it does not get worse over time, and it is not life-threatening. People learn what helps and get on with their lives.

💊 How is it treated?

No single treatment works for everyone. You and your care team try different combinations until you find what suits you. This can include:

• medicines for pain, sleep or mood
• physiotherapy for exercises and stretches
• relaxation techniques
• counselling

Many people do best with a small team: a doctor, a physiotherapist and a counsellor or mental health professional.

🧠 Why would I be offered an antidepressant or an anti-seizure medicine?

This surprises many patients. It does not mean your doctor thinks you are depressed or have seizures. These medicines act on the parts of the brain that handle pain signals, so they can ease fibromyalgia even if you have neither condition. If your doctor suggests one, give it a fair try.

🚶 What can I do on my own?

Stay active. Walking, swimming and cycling all help ease muscle pain. If you have been inactive, it may hurt a little more at first, so start slowly and build up. Your outlook also affects how strongly you feel pain. Calm routines, good company and talking to a counsellor can all help.

🗣️ What are the common myths?

• "It is all in my head." The pain is real. It comes from how the body processes pain signals.
• "Exercise will make it worse." Gentle, regular activity is one of the best treatments.
• "It will damage my joints or spine." It does not.

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Please see a doctor for advice about your own symptoms.