In short
Yes. Fibromyalgia is a recognised condition. Research shows people with fibromyalgia process pain differently, with an amplified response in the nervous system. It doesn’t show up on standard tests, which is why it was doubted, but the pain and fatigue are real and can be treated.
On this page
Why people ask
Fibromyalgia doesn’t show up on X-rays, scans or routine blood tests, and the muscles and joints look normal. For years, that led some people, including some health professionals, to dismiss it. Many people with fibromyalgia have been told their pain is all in their head, which can be deeply distressing.
What the science says
- Altered pain processing. People with fibromyalgia feel pain at lower levels of pressure and heat than people without it. Brain imaging studies have shown differences in how pain signals are handled.
- A recognised type of pain. In 2017, the International Association for the Study of Pain recognised nociplastic pain, pain from altered nervous system processing, and a 2021 review in The Lancet described fibromyalgia as a leading example.
- Formal recognition. Fibromyalgia has established diagnostic criteria, and chronic widespread pain is recognised in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases as a form of chronic primary pain.
- Biological research. Research continues into genetics, the immune system and small nerve fibres in fibromyalgia, with findings suggesting there may be several contributing mechanisms.
Widespread pain and exhaustion?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
“In your head” versus “in your nervous system”
All pain is produced by the brain and nervous system, including pain from a broken bone. Saying fibromyalgia involves the nervous system doesn’t mean it’s imagined, exaggerated or psychological. It means the alarm system is turned up. That also explains why treatments that calm the nervous system, such as exercise, sleep and psychological approaches, can help.
Is it a diagnosis of exclusion?
Not any more. Older approaches treated fibromyalgia as what was left once everything else was ruled out. The current criteria allow it to be diagnosed on its own features, and alongside other conditions. See how fibromyalgia is diagnosed.
What this means for you
If you have widespread pain, fatigue and poor sleep, you deserve a proper assessment and a plan. Fibromyalgia is treatable: many people improve their function and quality of life with the right approach. See fibromyalgia treatment.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Fitzcharles MA, Cohen SP, Clauw DJ, et al. Nociplastic pain: towards an understanding of prevalent pain conditions. Lancet. 2021;397(10289):2098-2110.
- Sarzi-Puttini P, Giorgi V, Marotto D, et al. Fibromyalgia: an update on clinical characteristics, aetiopathogenesis and treatment. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2020;16(11):645-660.
- Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: a clinical review. JAMA. 2014;311(15):1547-55.
- Nicholas M, Vlaeyen JWS, Rief W, et al. The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic primary pain. Pain. 2019;160(1):28-37.
- Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, Fitzcharles MA, et al. 2016 Revisions to the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2016;46(3):319-329.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.