Fibromyalgia at a glance
Widespread pattern
Pain and tenderness can show up across multiple areas, often shifting over time.
Sleep matters
Poor sleep can amplify pain, fatigue, and sensitivity the next day.
Still screen for red flags
New or unusual symptoms should be assessed, even if you have a known diagnosis.
This page is educational. If you are worried or symptoms are changing quickly, seek personalised medical advice.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a recognised syndrome characterised by widespread pain and sensitivity, often alongside fatigue, sleep issues, cognitive symptoms (“brain fog”), and heightened sensitivity to stress or sensory input. People sometimes describe it as the whole system feeling “turned up”.
Why can symptoms persist?
Nervous system sensitivity
Many models describe fibromyalgia as increased pain processing and threat sensitivity. This can make sensations feel more intense, and it can widen sensitivity to multiple body regions.
Learn more in central sensitisation explained.
Load, stress, and recovery debt
When sleep is disrupted and stress stays high, recovery systems struggle. Over time, the body can feel stuck in a protective state with higher baseline tension, fatigue, and reactivity.
Explore stress and trauma and emotions, beliefs and pain.
What helps with fibromyalgia?
Steady, paced retraining
- Pacing: reduce boom and bust cycles that drive flare-ups.
- Gentle movement: frequent, tolerable activity often helps more than long rest.
- Sleep support: improving sleep can reduce symptom intensity and fatigue.
- Lower threat signals: reducing fear and vigilance can calm the system over time.
Mind-body tools can be practical
Mind-body approaches are not about dismissing symptoms. They are about shifting threat and safety patterns, building emotional and stress resilience, and reducing the system’s sensitivity.
Explore self-guided tools and practices and mind-body treatment options.
When should I worry?
Seek medical assessment if you have new symptoms that do not fit your usual pattern, especially:
- Persistent fever, night sweats, or feeling systemically unwell
- Unexplained weight loss
- New neurological symptoms such as progressive weakness, loss of balance, or fainting
- New chest pain, severe breathlessness, or concerning heart symptoms
- Severe, sudden headache that is different from your usual pattern
If you are unsure, it is reasonable to speak with a clinician. This page is educational and does not replace personalised medical advice.
Common questions about fibromyalgia
Is fibromyalgia “all in my head”?
No. Symptoms are real. Many modern explanations focus on how pain processing and threat systems can become sensitised. This is a body and brain system issue, not imaginary symptoms.
Can fibromyalgia improve?
Yes. Many people improve with a paced plan, sleep support, gradual movement, stress reduction, and the right guidance. The aim is to reduce sensitivity and rebuild capacity over time.
What should I do next if I feel stuck?
Aim for a plan that addresses both the body and nervous system: pacing, sleep support, gentle movement, reduced threat responses, and the right clinical guidance. Neurowaze can help you find a practitioner who matches your situation.
Clinical note
Fibromyalgia is a recognised clinical syndrome. Diagnosis and criteria vary by clinician and context. This page is educational and does not diagnose or replace personalised medical advice.