the bbme logo, this consists of a circle from which three hands reach into the cntre towards one another, each hand is a colour that represents the support ribbon colour for their respective condition, one is dark blue for MECFS, another is purple for Fibromialgia, and the other is teal for Long-COVID, overlaying the circle the text reads "BBME Support Group", as well as the groups moto "Breaking the Isolation"

About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

~ The Mayo Clinic

Recognised by the NHS and the DWP, Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a long-term condition causing widespread pain and severe fatigue. It's a complex disorder affecting various aspects of life due to multiple contributing factors.

Experts believe it stems from a central nervous system issue leading to increased pain sensitivity, known as central sensitisation. This results in widespread pain and reduced tolerance to sensory input. FMS also disrupts neurological, immunological, endocrine, and digestive systems. 

 

Though anyone can develop FMS, it is more prevalent among women aged 25 to 55. While the exact prevalence is uncertain, estimates suggest that up to 1 in 20 people might be affected.

an image of a white woman in her early 30s, she is leaning on a walking cane and grabbing her leg, she is clearly in a lot of pain

 All external links will open in a new browser window

Symptoms

The primary symptom of FMS is muscle pain, often described by patients as "aching or burning", irrespective of physical activity. FMS can also cause persistent low-level pain due to repeated exposure to stimuli, known as the "Wind-up response."

With proper treatment, many with mild to moderate fibromyalgia can lead normal lives, although symptoms may fluctuate over time.

Tab Top 001

Common symptoms include:

  • muscle pain and stiffness

  • fatigue (affecting 90% of patients)

  • specific tender points

  • disturbed sleep

  • poor concentration

  • IBS, alternating between diarrhoea and constipation, sometimes with abdominal gas or nausea.

Tab Top 002

Additional symptoms are:

  • unrefreshing sleep

  • headaches from mild to migraines

  • brain fog affecting concentration and memory

  • clumsiness

  • dizziness

  • sensitivity to weather changes, noise, bright lights, smoke

  • allergies 

an image of a black man in his 30s sitting up in bed, he is having difficulty sleeping and looks worried and in discomfort, he has his mobile phone and an open book next to him on the bed

Co-Occurring/Co-Morbid/Co-Existing Conditions

The above terms are often used interchangeably)

Tab Top 003

Common co-morbidities include:

People with FMS frequently experience multiple co-existing conditions, so it's vital to consider FMS even if other diagnoses are present.

  • sleep disturbances or sleep apnoea

  • depression

  • anxiety

  • PTSD

  • rheumatoid arthritis

  • systemic lupus erythematosus

  • ankylosing spondylitis (axial spondyloarthritis)

Causes & Triggers

Tab Top 004

The development of Fibromyalgia often follows traumatic events like falls, car accidents, viral infections, childbirth, surgery or significant emotional events. However, it can also develop without any clear trigger. While the exact cause is still unknown, research has indicated that many people with FMS suffer from a lack of deep, restorative sleep.

Diagnosis

Tab Top 005

an image of a man in his 30s seated in a waiting room, other patients are also seated in the background, soft grey natural light comes in through the windows

Fibromyalgia cannot currently be diagnosed with a single medical test. Instead, diagnosis relies on patient history, self-reported symptoms, physical examinations, and ruling out other conditions.

 

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines classify FMS based on widespread pain for over three months and the presence of at least 11 out of 18 specific tender points.

Treatment

Tab Top 006

Although fibromyalgia cannot be cured at this time, treatments are available to help manage symptoms. These treatments often combine medication, lifestyle changes, and therapeutic interventions, and finding the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes can help many manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. 

 

Staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalised treatment plan is essential. Here are some common treatments to help consider the  best strategy for you.

Tab Top 007

Medications can alleviate fibromyalgia pain and enhance sleep quality. Common options include pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications.

Tab Top 008

Regular, gentle exercise can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga are often advised. Current advice is to begin with light activities and gradually increase your intensity over time.

Tab Top 009

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can assist in managing the emotional and psychological effects of fibromyalgia. These therapies provide strategies to handle pain and enhance overall quality of life.

Treatments, Adjustments and Adaptations

Our general Treatments, Adjustments and Adaptations page contains information relevant to all 3 conditions, including:

  • Lifestyle Management

  • Pacing

  • Massage therapy

  • Hydro, physio, and Occupational Therapy

  • As well as looking after your mental health & wellbeing

  • plus much more 

an image of a woman in her 20s on a Bolton Train Station platforms waiting for a train, she is resting a hand on her wheeled walking aid known as a rollator, a train pulls in on the opposite platform

Education & Support for people who care...

It is crucial that those who care about you educate themselves about your condition, how it affects you, and your evolving needs. Supportive moral and practical assistance should complement your own efforts to improve your quality of life. Encouraging them to visit this website is a good starting point. Over the next several months, we’ll be developing an information pack with input from our members to better support caregivers. 

 

Of course, people who support you need support themselves, and we would love to hear suggestions of information and services you would like us to include in the caregiver pack too. 

 

BBME Membership is open to people who support and care for those with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, or Long-COVID; membership is free to one caregiver from your support network.

 

Your Input Matters!

If you have suggestions for what should be included in this pack, please email us at: wellbeing@mesupportgroup.co.uk with "caregiver pack suggestions" in the Subject line.