TL;DR Quick answer
Widespread body pain with fatigue, poor sleep and tender areas. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as lifestyle and sleep guidance.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition in which the nervous system processes pain differently. Management focuses on activity, sleep, education and selected medicines.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Widespread aching pain; fatigue and unrefreshing sleep; tender areas |
| Common causes | Altered pain processing in the nervous system; often follows stress, illness or injury |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | See a doctor to rule out other causes, especially with joint swelling, fever or weight loss |
| Treatment options | Lifestyle and Sleep Guidance |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Widespread aching pain
- Fatigue and unrefreshing sleep
- Tender areas
- Difficulty with concentration
Causes
- Altered pain processing in the nervous system
- Often follows stress, illness or injury
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor to rule out other causes, especially with joint swelling, fever or weight loss.
| Option | Type | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle and Sleep Guidance | Treatment | Practical changes to sleep, activity and daily routine that support pain relief. |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
