Last updated: October 2026
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body, extreme tiredness and poor sleep. There’s no cure, but symptoms can be managed. A GP diagnoses it from your symptoms, sometimes with a rheumatologist, as there’s no single test. Exercise, talking therapies, better sleep and some medicines help most.
Below: symptoms, diagnosis in the UK, what helps the pain, whether it can be cured, and living with it day to day.
A note before you read: our products aren’t a treatment for fibromyalgia. If you’d like a calming part of your evening routine, our Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Complex is a warm bedtime drink made with magnesium bisglycinate and citrate, L-theanine and botanicals. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Vegan, made in the UK and tested by ISO 17025 accredited labs.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (also called fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS) is a long-term condition that causes pain and tenderness across the body. It isn’t a form of arthritis. Arthritis UK (formerly Versus Arthritis) explains that it doesn’t come from damage to the joints, bones or muscles, and there’s no visible inflammation.
Instead, the main theory is that the nervous system processes pain differently. Doctors sometimes call this central sensitisation. In plain English, the brain and spinal cord turn the “volume” of pain signals up, so pressure, small knocks or normal aches that wouldn’t bother most people can hurt a lot. The pain is real: it’s not “all in your mind”.
NICE, which writes the guidelines NHS doctors follow, classes fibromyalgia as a type of chronic primary pain: long-lasting pain that isn’t explained by another condition, or is out of proportion to any injury or disease.
How common is it, and who gets it?
- Arthritis UK estimates that 1.8 million to 2.9 million people in the UK have fibromyalgia.
- A 2026 review of studies from 38 countries put it at roughly 1% to 2% of people worldwide, with much higher rates in people with other long-term conditions.
- It’s more common in women than men, and it usually starts between the ages of 25 and 55, although anyone can get it.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The exact cause isn’t known. The NHS says genes may make some people more likely to develop it, and it’s often set off by physical or emotional stress, such as a serious injury, an infection, major surgery or a traumatic event. Sometimes there’s no obvious trigger. Poor deep sleep also seems to make pain worse, and pain then disrupts sleep, which can become a cycle.
Our products aren’t a treatment for fibromyalgia. Some people like a calming bedtime drink or a massage balm as part of their routine; there’s more on this in the supplements section.
Fibromyalgia symptoms
The main symptom is widespread pain, but most people have a mix of symptoms that change from day to day. The NHS and Arthritis UK list these:
| Symptom | What it can feel like |
|---|---|
| Widespread pain | Aching and tenderness all over, often worst in the neck and back. See body aches all over. |
| Sensitivity to pain | Light pressure or a small knock hurts more than it should |
| Fatigue | Deep tiredness that rest doesn’t fix |
| Poor sleep | Waking up unrefreshed, even after a full night. See sleep deprivation. |
| Fibro fog | Trouble concentrating, remembering or finding words. See brain fog. |
| Stiffness | Often worse in the morning, or during and after activity |
| Headaches | Frequent headaches. See tension headaches. |
| Bowel problems | Stomach pain and bloating, sometimes diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) |
| Sensitivity to cold, noise and light | Pain may get worse in very hot or cold weather |
| Other symptoms | Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, restless legs, needing to pee at night, painful periods |
| Mood | Frustration, worry or low mood |
Many people say the fatigue and fibro fog are harder to live with than the pain. Symptoms can also flare up: a sudden, temporary worsening, often after stress, overdoing it, poor sleep or illness.
Is fibromyalgia a chronic illness?
Yes. The NHS describes fibromyalgia as a long-term condition, and NICE groups it with chronic pain, meaning pain that lasts or keeps coming back for more than 3 months. In practice, most people live with it for years.
That doesn’t mean it stays the same. The NHS notes that symptoms can change over time, sometimes improving or getting worse quite suddenly. Arthritis UK adds that fibromyalgia doesn’t seem to cause long-term damage to your body, which is reassuring if you’re worried about your joints wearing out.
Who diagnoses fibromyalgia and how?
In the UK, a GP can usually diagnose fibromyalgia. Some GPs refer you to a rheumatologist (a specialist in joint, muscle and bone conditions) to confirm it, especially if your symptoms could fit another condition.
Is there a test for fibromyalgia?
No. There’s no blood test, X-ray or scan that shows fibromyalgia. Your GP will:
- Ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them and how they affect daily life.
- Examine you, looking for signs of other conditions. For example, swollen joints suggest arthritis rather than fibromyalgia.
- Arrange tests if needed, such as blood tests, urine tests or X-rays, to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as an underactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s disease.
Having another condition doesn’t rule out fibromyalgia. You can have both, and depression, anxiety and IBS are common alongside it.
The diagnostic criteria in plain English
Many doctors use criteria from the American College of Rheumatology, last updated in 2016. Roughly, fibromyalgia fits when:
- The pain is widespread: in at least 4 of 5 body regions (left arm and shoulder area, right arm and shoulder area, left leg and hip area, right leg and hip area, and the spine). Jaw, chest and tummy pain don’t count towards this.
- The symptoms add up: doctors score how many of 19 body areas hurt, plus how bad your tiredness, unrefreshing sleep and thinking or memory problems are, and whether you’ve had headaches, low tummy pain or depression.
- It’s lasted at least 3 months at a similar level.
Tips for your GP appointment
- Keep a two-week symptom diary: where it hurts, sleep, energy, fog, and other symptoms such as bowel problems or headaches.
- Say how it affects work, family and sleep. That shapes the support you’re offered.
- If your pain is mainly in your joints, with swelling, read our guide to joint pain too.
See a GP if you’ve had widespread pain, tiredness and poor sleep for a few months, or if pain is stopping you doing everyday things.
What helps fibromyalgia pain?
No single treatment works for everyone. The NHS says most people need a combination, and the three main options are exercise, talking therapies and some medicines. NICE guideline NG193 on chronic pain, which covers fibromyalgia, sets out what NHS doctors should offer.
| Approach | What NICE and the NHS say |
|---|---|
| Supervised group exercise | NICE says doctors should offer it, tailored to your needs and abilities, and encourage you to stay active long term |
| Talking therapy (CBT or ACT) | NICE says doctors should consider cognitive behavioural therapy for pain or acceptance and commitment therapy |
| Acupuncture | NICE says doctors can consider a single short course in a community setting; the NHS notes effects have only been shown to last up to 3 months |
| Antidepressants | NICE says doctors can consider amitriptyline, citalopram, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine or sertraline for adults, after discussing benefits and harms |
| TENS, ultrasound, interferential therapy | NICE says not to offer them, because there’s no evidence they help |
Exercise: the best-supported option
Exercise sounds hard when everything hurts, but it has the strongest evidence. A European expert panel (EULAR) made exercise its only “strong” recommendation for fibromyalgia. A Cochrane review of 13 trials found aerobic exercise probably improved quality of life and may slightly reduce pain, although the trials were small.
The key is starting very low and building slowly: a 5 to 10 minute walk, gentle swimming or cycling, then a little more each week. Arthritis UK also suggests strengthening and stretching, and says tai chi and yoga may help. A physiotherapist can design a plan that won’t trigger a flare.
Talking therapies
Being offered CBT or ACT doesn’t mean the pain is imagined. They teach practical skills for coping with pain, stress and sleep. The NHS says ACT has been shown to improve sleep and pain for some people with long-term pain. Ask your GP about a referral.
Medicines
Antidepressants are used at lower doses than for depression, and NICE says they’re offered because they may help quality of life, pain, sleep and distress, even if you aren’t depressed. This is an off-label use, so your doctor should explain it. Amitriptyline is often taken a couple of hours before bed because it can cause drowsiness.
NICE also says doctors should not start these medicines for chronic primary pain such as fibromyalgia: paracetamol, anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), opioids, gabapentinoids (pregabalin and gabapentin), other antiepileptic drugs, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, ketamine, and local anaesthetic or steroid trigger point injections. This is because there’s little evidence they help this kind of pain, and some carry real risks.
If you already take one of these, don’t stop suddenly. NICE says your doctor should review it with you: if it helps at a safe dose with few side effects, you can agree to carry on; if not, they’ll help you reduce it slowly.
A large 2026 review of 151 drug trials found that the medicines studied gave typically small benefits on average, although some people respond well. That’s why non-drug approaches matter so much.
For the evidence on CBD, see our separate guide to CBD for fibromyalgia.
Self-help that makes a difference
These are the everyday steps the NHS and Arthritis UK suggest. They won’t take the pain away, but together they can make days more manageable:
- Use heat. Arthritis UK says hot water bottles, warm baths or showers can ease pain and morning stiffness. Some people like a warm Epsom salt bath before bed.
- Pace yourself. Many people fall into “boom and bust”: doing everything on a good day, then crashing for days. Pacing means a steady, planned amount each day, with rests built in and jobs broken into smaller chunks.
- Protect your sleep. Get up at the same time every day, wind down with a bath and a warm, milky drink, keep the bedroom dark, quiet and comfortable, and avoid caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals late on. Try not to check the clock at night. If you wake in the small hours, see middle insomnia.
- Relax every day. The NHS says stress can make symptoms worse or trigger flare-ups. Deep breathing, meditation or a relaxation recording all count.
- Keep moving gently, even on bad days: a few stretches or a short walk.
- Eat well. There’s no proven fibromyalgia diet, but Arthritis UK suggests a balanced diet and a healthy weight.
A physiotherapist can help with pain, strength and posture, and an occupational therapist can suggest aids and adaptations at home or work. Ask your GP about a referral, or a local pain management programme.
Can fibromyalgia be cured?
Not at the moment. The NHS says there’s currently no cure, and that symptoms are unlikely to disappear completely.
The more hopeful side is that symptoms often change over time, and treatment and self-management can make a real difference to quality of life. Arthritis UK says fibromyalgia doesn’t seem to cause long-term damage to your body, and that keeping muscles strong and building up activity slowly can help. The aim is to find the mix of approaches that works for you, rather than one fix.
Fibromyalgia and other conditions
Fibromyalgia shares symptoms with several other conditions, and it can happen alongside them. The NHS notes it’s often linked to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and jaw problems (TMD), and that depression, anxiety and IBS are common with it.
| Condition | Overlap with fibromyalgia | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| ME/CFS | Extreme tiredness, poor sleep, muscle pain, brain fog | In ME/CFS the hallmark is symptoms getting worse after physical or mental effort (post-exertional malaise). See chronic fatigue syndrome. |
| Arthritis | Pain and stiffness | Arthritis shows joint swelling or damage on examination or tests |
| IBS | Stomach pain and bloating | A gut condition that’s common alongside fibromyalgia |
| Underactive thyroid | Tiredness, aches, low mood | Shows on a blood test |
| PoTS (postural tachycardia syndrome) | Fatigue, poor sleep, brain fog, headaches | Heart rate rises a lot when you stand up, with dizziness or palpitations |
If you have dizziness or a racing heart when you stand, tell your GP. They can check your heart rate lying down and standing up.
Living and working with fibromyalgia
At work
Arthritis UK suggests talking to your manager about shorter or more flexible hours, adapting your chair, desk and equipment, and asking occupational health for support. Citizens Advice can explain your rights. If work is wearing you down, read about burnout symptoms, which can look similar.
Support
- Fibromyalgia Action UK is the UK’s national fibromyalgia charity. Its helpline is 0300 999 3333 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm), and it runs a benefits helpline on 0300 999 0055 and online support groups.
- If you’re struggling with your mood, talk to your GP. Feeling low is common with long-term pain, and help works.
Do supplements help fibromyalgia?
No supplement is a proven treatment for fibromyalgia. Here’s what the research honestly shows:
- Vitamin D: if your levels are low, it’s worth correcting. A 2025 review pooled four small trials and found lower pain scores with vitamin D, but the authors said better trials are needed. The NHS advises everyone in the UK to consider 10 micrograms a day in autumn and winter, and not to take more than 100 micrograms a day. See vitamin D in winter and vitamin D deficiency symptoms.
- Magnesium: the evidence is weak. In one small one-month trial, 100mg of magnesium a day made no difference to the main stress measure compared with placebo, and the researchers called for a larger study. Read more in magnesium for muscle pain.
- Anything sold as a fibromyalgia “cure” should be a red flag.
Where our products fit
Our products aren’t a treatment for fibromyalgia, and they don’t replace anything your GP recommends. Some people like them as part of a routine:
- Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Complex is a berry-flavoured bedtime drink with magnesium bisglycinate and citrate (148mg magnesium per serving), glycine, L-theanine, chamomile, passionflower, hops and oat straw. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- CBD Balm is a cooling, non-greasy massage balm with broad spectrum CBD, peppermint, eucalyptus and juniper. It’s a cosmetic for a gentle massage, not a pain treatment.
The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
Our products are for adults only. We don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you take medicines for fibromyalgia, such as antidepressants, check with your GP or pharmacist before adding any supplement.
See also endometriosis and its overlap with other pain conditions.
See also arthritis types and symptoms, if you’re wondering how joint conditions differ from fibromyalgia.
IBS is common alongside fibromyalgia: see IBS symptoms, causes and what helps.
FAQs
Can fibromyalgia be cured?
There’s no cure at the moment, and the NHS says symptoms are unlikely to disappear completely. But exercise, talking therapies, better sleep, pacing and some medicines can make symptoms easier to live with, and symptoms often change over time.
Is fibromyalgia a chronic illness?
Yes. It’s a long-term condition, and NICE classes it as chronic primary pain, meaning pain lasting more than 3 months that isn’t explained by another condition.
Who diagnoses fibromyalgia in the UK?
Usually your GP. Some GPs refer you to a rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Is there a blood test for fibromyalgia?
No. There’s no blood test, X-ray or scan for fibromyalgia. Blood tests are used to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as an underactive thyroid.
What helps fibromyalgia pain the most?
Exercise has the strongest evidence, built up slowly. Talking therapies such as CBT or ACT, heat, pacing, good sleep habits and, for some people, an antidepressant prescribed for pain can also help.
Is fibromyalgia a type of arthritis?
No. Arthritis UK explains that fibromyalgia isn’t caused by damage to the joints, bones or muscles. It’s thought to involve how the nervous system processes pain, although it can happen alongside arthritis.
Does fibromyalgia damage your body?
Arthritis UK says fibromyalgia doesn’t seem to cause long-term damage to your body. It can still have a big effect on daily life, so it’s worth getting support.
Sources
- NHS. Fibromyalgia (overview, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and self-help pages).
- NICE. Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain (NG193).
- Arthritis UK (formerly Versus Arthritis). Fibromyalgia.
- Wolfe F, et al. 2016 revisions to the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Semin Arthritis Rheum, 2016.
- Macfarlane GJ, et al. EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia. Ann Rheum Dis, 2017.
- Bidonde J, et al. Aerobic exercise training for adults with fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2017.
- Zeraatkar D, et al. Drug treatments for fibromyalgia: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials. BMJ Med, 2026.
- D’Souza RS, et al. The prevalence of fibromyalgia in the general population and at-risk subpopulations. Anesth Analg, 2026.
- Ilari S, et al. Does vitamin D supplementation impact fibromyalgia-related pain? Nutrients, 2025.
- Macian N, et al. Short-term magnesium therapy alleviates moderate stress in patients with fibromyalgia. Nutrients, 2022.
- NHS. Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) and Vitamin D.
- Fibromyalgia Action UK. Fibromyalgia Action UK.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Evopure makes the Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Complex and CBD Balm, Muscle and Joint Support.
