Main symptoms
- •Widespread bilateral pain > 3 months
- •Chronic fatigue not relieved by sleep
- •Sleep disturbances (insomnia, non-restorative sleep)
- •Cognitive issues ('fibro fog')
- •Tension headaches, migraines
- •Functional bowel disorder
- •Anxiety, depression (30-50%)
- •Paraesthesia, noise/light intolerance
Risk factors
- ⚠️ Female sex (80% of cases)
- ⚠️ Age 30-60
- ⚠️ Family history (60% heritability)
- ⚠️ Triggers: trauma, infection, major stress, bereavement
- ⚠️ Psychiatric comorbidity (depression, PTSD)
- ⚠️ Chronically disturbed sleep
Management and treatments
**No cure**. **First-line non-drug** (EULAR grade A): adapted physical activity (aqua aerobics, yoga, tai chi), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), patient education, relaxation. **Drugs**: low-dose amitriptyline (Laroxyl) at night, duloxetine (Cymbalta), pregabalin (Lyrica), tramadol (caution). ⚠️ **NSAIDs and strong opioids not recommended** long-term. ALD recognition possible for disabling forms.
Prevention
Stress management, quality sleep, regular physical activity, anti-inflammatory diet, preventive psychotherapy if predisposed. Early detection and rapid multidisciplinary care improve prognosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a mental illness?+
NO — a real neurological disease recognised by WHO. 'Fibro fog' = cognitive symptom, not a psychiatric disorder. Depressive comorbidities exist but do not cause the disease.
Are blood tests useful?+
To rule out other causes (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, hypothyroidism). In pure fibromyalgia, all panels are NORMAL — which does not rule out the disease.
Is there a cure?+
No permanent cure but 50-70% improvement with multidisciplinary care. 15-20% reach remission.
What sports?+
Aqua aerobics (best), swimming, yoga, tai chi, walking, moderate cycling. AVOID intense sports that worsen it.
📖 Detailed article
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