Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain throughout the body. It can also lead to fatigue, trouble sleeping and a higher sensitivity to touch. Changes in the nervous system affect how the body processes pain, making normal sensations feel more intense. The pain is real and not due to joint damage or inflammation.
When should fibromyalgia be suspected?
- Widespread pain lasting more than three months
- Fatigue and low energy
- Poor or unrefreshing sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Careful ruling out of other conditions that can mimic fibromyalgia through specialist clinical evaluation, supported by normal laboratory and imaging findings
Common symptoms
- Widespread pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Cognitive symptoms
- Headaches
- Mood symptoms
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on your symptoms and a medical evaluation. There is no single test that can confirm it.
Your provider will take time to review your health history and symptoms. They may also run tests to rule out other conditions that can look like fibromyalgia and may be treatable. These can include autoimmune, autoinflammatory, genetic, metabolic and endocrine disorders.
Fibromyalgia is a real condition with known changes in how the body processes pain. Even so, there is no single diagnostic blood test, imaging finding, or commercially available biomarker that confirms the diagnosis.
For that reason, a careful, thorough evaluation is the best way to make sure you get the right diagnosis.
The diagnostic process includes:
- History and physical exam
- Selective lab testing if indicated
- Assessment of widespread pain and symptom duration
What to expect at your first visit
- Detailed symptom discussion
- Review of prior testing
- Physical exam
- Discussion of differential diagnosis and plan
- Ordering additional test if indicated
How is fibromyalgia treated?
Your treatment at UK HealthCare focuses on improving quality of life. This is done with a combination of non-medication and medication approaches.
- Gradual aerobic exercise
- Sleep optimization
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Stress management
- Duloxetine
- Milnacipran
- Pregabalin
- Sublingual cyclobenzaprine
Living with fibromyalgia
- Stay active
- Maintain routine
- Address sleep and stress
- Work closely with your care team
Your care team
- Rheumatology providers (rheumatologists and advanced practice providers)
- Primary care
- Therapists
- Pain management specialists
Questions?
If you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment, please speak with your healthcare provider. We are here to help guide you through your care.
