Overview
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition marked by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems and difficulty with memory or concentration. It is thought to involve changes in how the nervous system processes pain signals.
There is no single test for fibromyalgia. Management usually combines regular graded exercise, sleep support, stress management and medication. Rheumatology can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Watch: Fibromyalgia explained
Video: “What is Fibromyalgia?” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Common symptoms
- Widespread muscle pain and tenderness
- Fatigue
- Poor or unrefreshing sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Mood changes
Causes and risk factors
- Changes in central pain processing
- Genetics
- Physical or emotional stress
- Other rheumatic conditions
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and an exam. Blood tests may be used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or inflammatory arthritis.
Treatment options
Care is stepped: most people start with self-care and physical therapy, and move to the next step only if pain continues. Some problems, such as nerve weakness, may skip ahead. Your exam, imaging and goals decide which options fit you.
Self-care and lifestyle
Gradual activity, sleep routines and stress skills are central to fibromyalgia care.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical therapy and certain medicines that act on pain processing; CBT may help.
Injections and nerve blocks
Trigger point injections may help specific painful muscle knots.
Minimally invasive procedures
Procedures are not a main treatment for fibromyalgia; they are considered only for a separate pain source.
Surgical evaluation
Surgery does not treat fibromyalgia. We help coordinate care with rheumatology and primary care.
Learn how we approach care: our care philosophy · nonsurgical options · second opinions.
When to seek urgent care
Seek prompt care for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, inability to bear weight after an injury, sudden severe symptoms, or any symptom that worries you.
Frequently asked questions
Is fibromyalgia a form of arthritis?
No. It does not damage the joints, but it is often evaluated and managed by rheumatologists.
Will exercise make my pain worse?
Starting slowly and building up gradually is generally recommended and often helps symptoms over time.
Can injections help fibromyalgia?
Injections do not treat fibromyalgia itself, but trigger point injections can target specific painful muscle areas for some patients.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.