Fibromyalgia is a pain syndrome that causes widespread pain throughout the body along with fatigue, sleep problems and cognitive problems. It affects 2-4% of the population – mainly women between the ages of 30 and 60 – and is one of the most common causes of long-term pain without obvious damage.
In this article, we go over typical symptoms, how it's diagnosed, what treatments work, and how you can live well with fibromyalgia.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is not an injury to muscles or joints – it is a central pain syndrome. The brain and spinal cord process pain signals excessively, a phenomenon called central sensitization. The result: the body experiences pain where there is no actual injury.
Important to know:
- It is not an inflammatory disease
- It does not lead to joint damage like rheumatism
- It is not imagined – the pain is real and measurable in the brain
- It is treatable – but not "curable" in the same way as a broken arm
Typical symptoms
Core symptoms
- Widespread pain for at least 3 months, both halves of the body, above and below the waist
- Severe fatigue that does not go away with sleep
- Sleep disorders – especially impaired deep sleep (read more)
- "Fibro joint" – cognitive difficulties, memory problems, lack of concentration
Other common symptoms
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Headache (read more)
- Numbness and tingling
- Gastrointestinal problems (often IBS)
- Sound, light and smell sensitivity
- Anxiety and depression (read more)
- Temperature sensitivity
- Dizziness
Tender points
Older diagnostic criteria used 18 tender points. Newer criteria instead focus on prevalence and symptom intensity.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is unknown, but several factors play a role:
- Genetics – often runs in families
- Trauma – physical or psychological trauma can trigger
- Prolonged stress and exhaustion
- Infections – certain viral infections
- Other pain conditions – rheumatism, osteoarthritis
- Sleep disorders – both cause and symptoms
- Hormonal factors – affects women 7-8 times more often
Diagnosis
No blood test or x-ray can confirm fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is made clinically:
Investigation
- History – widespread pain for 3+ months
- Clinical examination – palpation of tender points
- Exclusion for other reasons:
- Rheumatism (blood tests: CRP, SR, ANA, RF)
- Thyroid disorder (TSH)
- Vitamin deficiency (D, B12)
- Anemia
- Inflammation
At diagnosis
The doctor confirms fibromyalgia when:
- The symptoms fit and
- Other causes are excluded
When should you seek help?
Contact a doctor if you:
- Has pain in the whole body for over 3 months
- Is constantly tired despite sleep
- Has sleeping problems that won't go away
- Experiencing "brain fog" and cognitive difficulties
- Have diffuse pain without clear cause
- Suspect fibromyalgia but no one has investigated it
Treatment
Fibromyalgia requires multimodal treatment – no single action works, but the combination has a great effect.
1. Knowledge and understanding
Understanding what fibromyalgia is (and isn't) reduces anxiety and puts you in control.
2. Physical activity
Most important single action. Paradoxical but true – despite the pain, regular exercise helps:
- Aerobic training (swimming, cycling, walking) 150 min/week
- Strength training 2 times/week (light weights)
- Yoga, tai chi, water aerobics – particularly effective
Start gently and increase gradually. Physiotherapist can help.
3. Sleep optimization
Deep sleep increases the pain threshold. Prioritize:
- Regular sleep (read more)
- Treatment of sleep apnea if present
- If necessary: melatonin or other sleep medicine
4. Stress management
Stress dramatically worsens fibromyalgia. CBT, mindfulness and relaxation techniques are effective.
5. Medicines
No drugs are specific for fibromyalgia in Sweden, but the following are used:
- Amitriptyline in low dose – improves sleep and pain
- Duloxetine (SNRI) – reduces pain
- Pregabalin – for severe nerve pain
- Tramadol – short-term in flare-ups
Ordinary painkillers (NSAIDs, paracetamol) rarely help with fibromyalgia.
6. Psychological support
- CBT – proven effective
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Support groups – to meet others with the same diagnosis
Self-help
- Move every day – even small walks
- Pacing – alternate activity and rest
- Prioritize sleep – regular times
- Eat balanced – avoid sugar and trans fats
- Limit stress – say no when you need to
- Social contact – isolation worsens
- Avoid alcohol in large quantities
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is fibromyalgia a real disease?
Yes. Fibromyalgia is recognized by the WHO and the National Board of Health and Welfare. Brain imaging studies show changes in pain processing. It is not imagined.
Can you recover from fibromyalgia?
Many can achieve significant improvement but complete absence of symptoms is rare. With the right treatment, most people can live an active life.
Is fibromyalgia hereditary?
There is genetic vulnerability – fibromyalgia is 8 times more common in family members.
How to differentiate fibromyalgia from chronic pain?
Fibromyalgia is a specific form of chronic pain with widespread aches, fatigue and cognitive problems as central components. Chronic pain is the broader term.
Is exercise really good for fibromyalgia?
Yes – paradoxical but proven effective. Gentle start is the key. Most people who start regular exercise report reduced pain after 6-12 weeks.
Do I need a referral?
No. At Scandinavian Health Clinic you book directly without a referral.
Are there specific foods or diets that help with fibromyalgia?
No "fibromyalgia diet" is proven, but anti-inflammatory diet (lots of vegetables, fish, olive oil) and reduction of sugar, alcohol and ultra-processed foods are reported to help many. Vitamin D control is important.
Which doctors investigate fibromyalgia?
Usually general practitioner as a basis and pain doctor for treatment. At Scandinavian Health Clinic, you can get help without a referral.
Summary
Fibromyalgia is a real, treatable but chronic disease. Without treatment it gets worse - with the right combination of exercise, sleep, stress management and possible medication, most people get significantly better.
Book an appointment with a specialist at the Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal - without a referral, with a short waiting time and just minutes from central Gothenburg.
📞 +46 (0) 10-147 77 40 ✉️ [email protected]
Book an appointment - contact us → Pain management → Read about chronic pain → Read about body pain → Read about stress → Read about sleep problems → Read about nerve pain →
