About Fibromyalgia
A real condition with real challenges — and you’re not alone
Let’s be honest — fibromyalgia isn’t the easiest thing to explain, especially when you look fine on the outside but feel anything but fine on the inside. Sound familiar?
You’re not imagining it. You’re not “just tired.”
….And no, it’s not “all in your head.”
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the nervous system and how the body processes pain. It can leave you feeling exhausted, sore, foggy, and overwhelmed – often all at once.
It’s invisible, unpredictable, and often misunderstood… but here we understand.
It’s quite common, reportedly, up to 1 person in every 25 may be affected, but since many people do not seek medical help, or are misdiagnosed there are more. There may be around 1.5 to 2 million people in the UK with Fibromyalgia, more common than those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Fibromyalgia?
In simple terms, fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and sensitivity throughout the body, along with extreme tiredness (the kind no amount of sleep fixes). It’s thought to be linked to the way your brain and nerves interpret pain signals — as if your pain volume switch is turned up way too high.
Some people develop fibromyalgia after a physical injury, illness, or period of high stress. For others, it just seems to come out of nowhere. And while there’s no single test for it, fibromyalgia is very real, very valid, and deserves proper care and support.
Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms (You're not Imagining Them)
Fibromyalgia affects everyone differently because we are all different, but here are some common symptoms that many people share:
- Widespread pain – aching, burning, throbbing, stabbing sensations
- Fatigue – that bone-deep tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest
- Fibro fog or “brain-fog” – trouble thinking clearly or remembering things
- Cognitive difficulties – slow thought processes, memory problems, lack of concentration or inability to find the right words
- Balance issues – vertigo, dizziness, clumsiness
- Poor sleep – waking unrefreshed or not sleeping at all
- Sensitivity – to touch, sound, light, temperature and environmental conditions
- Stiffness – especially first thing in the morning, joints and muscles
- Migraines or frequent headaches
- Digestive problems or Irritable Bowel-like symptoms – bloating, cramping, irregular bowels
- Anxiety or low mood – because managing constant symptoms is exhausting
Symptoms vary from person to person and day to day. Symptoms often change over time and fluctuate during different periods. Some symptoms may come and go or come on for a period and then get worse again, so Fibromyalgia is otherwise known of as a “fluctuating condition”.
If you are experiencing most of those, you’re not alone – and we are so glad you found our Fibromyalgia support community.
What is Fibro Fog? A common symptom
How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed in the UK?
An important question, especially since it often takes a while to get a diagnosed.
There’s no single test for fibromyalgia (annoying, we know), so doctors usually diagnose it by:
- Discussing your medical history and symptoms
- Ruling out other conditions like arthritis, lupus, or thyroid problems
- Looking for widespread pain lasting at least 3 months
- Checking for other symptoms like fatigue, sleep issues, and brain fog
You might have some blood tests or scans, but these are usually to rule other things out, not to confirm fibromyalgia itself.
The diagnosis often comes down to patterns — how long you’ve had symptoms, where the pain is, and how it affects your daily life. It can feel frustrating or slow, but hang in there. Getting that official diagnosis is a big step toward understanding your body and getting the support you deserve.
*Tip: Keeping a symptom diary or bringing a checklist to your GP can be really helpful.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
There isn’t one clear cause, it’s more of a combination of factors.
Fibromyalgia could be triggered by:
- A physical injury or surgery
- Viral infections or illness
- Ongoing stress or trauma
- Genetics – runs in some families
Researchers believe it involves the way the nervous system processes pain signals, almost as if your internal “alarm system” is stuck in high alert. What might feel like mild pressure to someone else can feel painful for someone with fibromyalgia.
Living with Fibromyalgia: Support & Self-Care
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure. Research is ongoing.
Fibromyalgia may be long-term, but you can find techniques and implement tools which may make life a little easier. There are many ways to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life, one step (and one spoon) at a time.
Here are some tools that many people find helpful for Fibromyalgia treatment and symptom relief:
- Pacing & Energy Management – Avoiding the boom-and-bust cycle
- Medication – For pain, sleep, or related conditions (talk to your GP)
- Gentle movement – Yoga, walking, stretching, or hydrotherapy
- Mental health support – Counselling, mindfulness, CBT, including stress-reduction techniques
- Healthy diet – Supporting your energy and digestion
- Sleep hygiene – Creating calming bedtime routines
- Helpful aids – Ergonomic tools or symptom-tracking apps
- Support groups – Connecting with others who get it (like us!)
You don’t have to do it all at once. One small change can make a big difference over time. The sooner the better! We aim to provide helpful information on these.
Remember… You’re Not Alone
Some days are really tough. We understand this. But remember — there’s a whole fibromyalgia support network here, cheering each other on.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been navigating Fibro for years, you belong here. Share your story, swap tips, vent if you need to, and let us come along with you.
*And Finally…
Fibromyalgia doesn’t define you. You’re still you – and what makes you, you — but now dealing with a few extra challenges. That’s something we understand.
We’re here to remind you: You are doing your best. And your best is more than enough.
Mythbusting... What Fibromyalgia Is Not
- It’s not all in your mind…
- It’s not laziness…
- It’s not something you can just “push through”
- It’s definitely not your fault!
You may feel as though you are broken. But, you’re living with a chronic illness, and that takes courage and we hope our group can support you and your family and carers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fibromyalgia
Q. How Do the Numbers Differ with Age?
A. Symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome usually start somewhere between 20 and 55 years old. As the disease is lifelong, by the age of 80, about 8% of people can be classified as having fibromyalgia syndrome, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association.
In the past, other terms were used to describe the condition, including muscular rheumatism and fibrositis. The condition may even have been misdiagnosed as degenerative joint disease. We now know that fibromyalgia isn’t linked to inflammatory or degenerative arthritis, even though the symptoms may sometimes be very similar.
Fibromyalgia doesn’t cause any lasting damage to the body’s tissues. However, it’s important to keep as active as you can in order to avoid weakening of the muscles (deconditioning) which could to secondary problems.
Q. How Do the Numbers Differ Between Men and Women?
A. Fibromyalgia syndrome is more common in women than in men – according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, 75-90% of people with fibromyalgia syndrome in the UK are women.
Q. Can Fibromyalgia cause a heart attack?
A. When you have fibromyalgia, you often experience some symptoms of heart disease – such as chest pain, heartburn, and heart palpitations. However, researchers in Taiwan have discovered that fibromyalgia patients have a higher risk for heart disease and should have their heart issues taken seriously.
Celebrities Who Have Spoken Out About Fibromyalgia
Lady Gaga via Lady Gaga’s Twitter in 2017
Lady Gaga can been seen in her Netflix documentary “Gaga: Five Foot Two” which shows many of her hurdles with the condition.
Lena Durnham – the well-known actress and screen writer has spoken about Fibromyalgia and how it has affected her mental wellbeing.
Morgan Freeman, actor via Interview with Esquire magazine in 2012
Kirsty Young, broadcaster, stepped-down from Desert Island Discs because of Fibromyalgia via the BBC
The late Sinead O’Connor had to have a break from music due to her Fibromyalgia and on her return advocated for those with the condition.
It is also suspected that the illness Frida Kahlo endured during her life was Fibromyalgia. Also, records show that Florence Nightingale had fibromyalgia-like symptoms.
Even celebrities struggle with living with Fibromyalgia, with it affecting their work. But like everyone else, they use management techniques and make adjustments to live life with the challenging symptoms.
It is vital you make an active approach to condition management, for example, from diet adjustments, to pain relief, to stress reduction, to pacing, to gentle mobility, and even acceptance. By taking this approach your self-esteem and quality of life will benefit. Here, at Fibromyalgia Friends Together we are here to support you with these. Plus, by speaking out about their conditions and struggles many people, including celebrities, find people are more supportive and understanding about life with Fibromyalgia.
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