Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain all over the body. It is still unclear what causes fibromyalgia, and there is no cure for it, but its symptoms can be managed. The condition is often misunderstood, but there is no doubt that it is real and is believed to affect 2 to 3% of the population globally.

Here is all you need to know about the condition.

Bridging the gender gap in health researchWhat is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder. It is a chronic or long-term condition. It causes pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues of the body and is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues and mood problems such as stress, anxiety and depression.

Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, but researchers believe that having certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing it. It is also thought to run in families. Women are more likely to get the condition than men.

What causes fibromyalgia?

While what causes the condition is still not fully understood, multiple factors are thought to be responsible. Certain inherited genes may have play, as well. Pain signals that function in the brain and nervous system not working as they should, could also be a reason. This could be due to an increase of, or unbalanced levels of, certain chemicals in the brain. Researchers also believe that physical (such as an illness or trauma) or emotional stressors could trigger or worsen the condition.

Risk factors include being a woman; family history of the condition; age, as while the condition can develop at any age, it is more common above the age of 40; having a chronic illness especially rheumatic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus as well as other illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome; infections and trauma.

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The commonest symptom of the condition is widespread musculoskeletal pain. The pain is a constant ache that lasts for three months or more. Pain can be dull, sharp, shooting or burning. It can start in one part of the body, but can move around to other parts. Any part of the body can be affected, and pain can range from mild to severe.

The other common symptom is fatigue with sleep disturbances. People with this condition may sleep an adequate number of hours but still wake up tired. The pain they experience can disrupt sleep. Insomnia may also be experienced. Mild to moderate activity as well as prolonged inactivity may exacerbate the fatigue, and the pain severity.

Other symptoms include: headaches and migraines, digestive problems such as diarrhoea and constipation, restless leg syndrome, as well as face and jaw pain such as temporomandibular jaw disorders.

People with fibromyalgia also experience memory and thinking problems. Known as 'fibro fog', this makes it difficult for people to concentrate on tasks or think clearly. Anxiety and depression are also common symptoms.

Those who have the condition may experience 'flare ups', periods where they experience symptoms, and periods where they feel better. Certain events or situations could trigger flare-ups, and these could be different for each individual. Stress, changes in diet, inadequate sleep and contracting an illness could all be potential triggers.

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There is no specific test to diagnose fibromyalgia, which can make diagnosing the condition difficult. Additionally, symptoms can vary from person to person and certain symptoms can be similar to be those of other conditions. The extent of, and duration of pain may be checked. A diagnosis may involve a physical examination, history of symptoms and the ruling out of other conditions, which may involve tests and imaging. Fibromyalgia may co-exist with other conditions.

Treating the condition depends upon the individual's age, symptoms experienced and overall health. There is no single treatment that works for everyone with the condition. The goal is to manage symptoms and improve health. Medication, including anti-pain medicines, anti-depressants and anti-seizure medicines may be prescribed.

Other treatments include exercise cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and patient education. Exercise is considered effective to help loosen, relax and strengthen muscles as well as to reduce pain and improve sleep. Water exercises may be recommended. CBT could help with learning relaxation strategies, mindful techniques, busting stress and learning to manage problems through changes in behaviour and thinking. Patient education involves teaching patients how their pain works, what could make it worse and what could improve it.

One important factor is to find a doctor who understands fibromyalgia, to help with treatment.

The Indian scenario

A 2023 research paper in The Open Rheumatology Journal, which looked at 121 fibromyalgia patients, found a high prevalence of psychological comorbidities and sleep disturbance and highlighted the lack of studies on fibromyalgia in the Indian population.

All you need to know about: fibromyalgia