FIBROMYALGIA
Managing To Live Well With Widespread Pain
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties (often called "fibro fog"). It involves abnormal processing of pain signals in the central nervous system (central sensitization or nociplastic pain), making the brain and spinal cord more sensitive to pain.
It is not primarily an inflammatory, autoimmune, or joint disease, though it can coexist with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
How Common Is It?
It affects roughly 2 percent of adults in the United States (about 4 million people). It is diagnosed more often in women and typically appears between ages 30 and 55, but it can occur in men, adolescents, and people of any age or background. Global estimates are generally in the 1–2 percent range.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely and can fluctuate, with periods of flare‑ups and relative remission.
Common ones include:
- Widespread pain lasting at least 3 months — often described as a constant dull ache, burning, or throbbing on both sides of the body, above and below the waist.
- Profound fatigue, feeling exhausted even after sleep
- Unrefreshing sleep or sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless legs, or sleep apnea.
- Cognitive issues "fibro fog": problems with memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
- Other frequent issues: headaches or migraines, irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive problems, anxiety or depression, jaw/face pain (TMJ), stiffness (especially in the morning), numbness or tingling, and heightened sensitivity to light, noise, smells, or temperature.
Having some of these signs does not by itself mean fibromyalgia. Only a qualified clinician can tell what they point to.
Causes
The exact cause is unknown. Research points to a combination of genetic predisposition and triggers such as physical or emotional trauma, infection, or stress. In people with fibromyalgia, pain‑processing pathways in the brain and spinal cord are altered.
A large 2026 multi‑ancestry genome‑wide association study involving more than 2.5 million people identified 26 genetic risk loci, many linked to neural genes and brain tissues. This provides strong evidence that fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder and shows genetic correlations with other chronic pain, psychiatric, and somatic conditions (such as IBS and PTSD).
Diagnosis
There is no specific blood test, imaging study, or biomarker that confirms fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is clinical, based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examination after ruling out other conditions (for example, thyroid disorders or inflammatory arthritis).
The 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria are commonly used.
In simplified terms, a diagnosis generally requires:
- A certain level of widespread pain (measured by the Widespread Pain Index) combined with symptom severity (fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive symptoms, and others).
- Generalized pain in at least 4 of 5 body regions.
- Symptoms present at a similar level for at least 3 months.
A fibromyalgia diagnosis does not exclude other concurrent illnesses.
A proper diagnosis can only come from a thorough professional evaluation by a qualified clinician.
Treatment And Management
There is no cure, but many people improve significantly with a multimodal approach focused on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Non‑pharmacological approaches (often recommended first or as the foundation):
- Patient education about the condition.
- Graded aerobic and resistance exercise.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological strategies.
- Sleep hygiene, physical therapy, and stress‑reduction techniques.
Medications
There are a variety of FDA‑approved options. Ask your clinician for advice.
Treatment is individualized and often combines medication with lifestyle and therapy approaches.
Outlook
Fibromyalgia is not progressive or life‑threatening by itself. With appropriate management, many people experience meaningful improvement in symptoms and function. Early recognition, a supportive care team (often involving primary care, rheumatology, physical therapy, and mental health), and active self‑management are helpful.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
This is general information drawn from sources such as the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, CDC, Arthritis Foundation, and recent research. It is not medical advice. If you or someone you know has symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and personalized care.
Who Do We Help?
Teenagers and adults living with widespread pain and tiredness, often with poor sleep, low mood or foggy thinking.
How Can We Help?
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy care for the low mood, anxiety and stress that often come with fibromyalgia, cognitive behavioral therapy among them, and Sleep Disorders care helps when sleep does not refresh, alongside the care of your other doctors.
What Are My Options?
If you are wondering if we could be a good fit for you or have questions about how we can craft your own specialized treatment plan, please reach out to learn more.
For individuals with urgent needs we may be able to offer same-day or next-day appointments to ensure that you get the care you need as quickly as possible.
Accessible And Flexible Treatment Options
Conveniently located in West Lake Hills, we provide expert psychiatric care and psychological testing for patients in
Austin, Rollingwood, Tarrytown, Bee Cave, Lakeway and Surrounding Communities in Central Texas.
Our Mission is to Provide the Best Psychiatric Care and Psychological Testing in Austin. Contact Us today, we love to help!
How To Get Started
1. Fill Out Our Request Form
Submit your Request online
A member of our Patient Care Team will reach out at your convenience.
2. Call Us For Expedited Scheduling
Our team is happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.