Overview
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder involving widespread pain and tenderness, fatigue, sleep problems, and often cognitive symptoms. Research supports altered pain processing rather than tissue inflammation as the core feature.
What current evidence indicates
- Diagnosis is clinical; there is no specific laboratory or imaging test. Testing may be used to evaluate other possible causes or coexisting illnesses.
- Evidence supports a multimodal approach, with goals set around sleep, function, pain, and quality of life. Gradually tailored movement, cognitive behavioral approaches, sleep support, and selected medications may help some people.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines usually do not address fibromyalgia itself, though they may help a separate inflammatory condition.
What remains uncertain
No treatment works for everyone, improvement is often gradual, and many complementary therapies have limited or inconsistent testing. Treatment should be adapted to symptoms, tolerance, and coexisting conditions.
Useful details for a clinical visit
- Pain distribution and duration
- Sleep, fatigue, cognition, mood, and functional impact
- Treatments already tried and their benefits or adverse effects
Primary and authoritative sources
This summary provides general education and cannot determine whether you have this condition or which treatment is appropriate. Discuss symptoms, testing, and treatment decisions with a qualified clinician.
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