FAC Highlights

Blog articles & highlights from Fibromyalgia Association Canada

Written by people with lived experience and in consultation with health professionals, our blog topics answer many common questions asked by those who are newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Learn about the latest research, trends in advocacy and awareness about fibro and learn from educational articles and fact sheets from our education committee.

Research Highlights

myalgic encephalomyelitis has overlapping symptoms with fibromyalgia

Circulating microRNA expression signatures accurately discriminate myalgic encephalomyelitis from fibromyalgia and comorbid conditions

Previous studies show provider stigma and inadequate pain management are common reasons for frustration amongst fibromyalgia patients. Doctors don’t always agree on how to treat fibromyalgia (FM). There is a lot of variety in the treatments they recommend, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some treatments, like exercise, work well for many people, but others, like opioids or alternative therapies, are rarely suggested. Many doctors also don’t follow clear guidelines for FM, which can make it harder for patients to get consistent care. This study looked at how doctors think about FM, how they treat it, and the challenges patients face when seeking help.

What Do Doctors Know About Fibromyalgia and How Do They Treat It?

fibromyalgia sometimes responds to medication

Combination analgesic development for enhanced clinical efficacy (the CADENCE trial): a double-blind, controlled trial of an alpha-lipoic acid-pregabalin combination for fibromyalgia pain.

This study looks at how well different alternative treatments, for example acupuncture and massage, work for people with fibromyalgia. Researchers want to see if these treatments can help reduce pain, improve sleep, and make people feel better overall.

How Effective Are Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Advocacy Highlights

What we want is better fibromyalgia care in Canada that includes empathy, trust, quicker diagnosis, and supportive primary care for every patient.

“We’ll tell you what we want, what we really, really, want….”

How To Be Your Own Advocate

How To Be Your Own Advocate

Awareness Highlights

Recevoir un diagnostic de fibromyalgie peut être accablant. Contrairement à d'autres affections avec des tests diagnostiques clairs et des plans de traitement définis, la fibromyalgie reste mal comprise. Cette incertitude peut entraîner des sentiments de frustration, de peur et d'impuissance. Tout le monde ne souffrira pas d'anxiété et de dépression, mais plusieurs facteurs peuvent conduire à ces états d'humeur lorsque l'on vit avec la fibromyalgie.

Fibromyalgia and Anxiety:

mini goals are achievable.

Mini Goals: Focus on Achievable Targets for Better Fibromyalgia Management

Want to know how to set and achieve your goals? Make them SMART goals.

Living with Fibromyalgia and Setting 5 SMART Goals

What causes POTS, how to get diagnosed and treatment options

Understanding Life with Fibromyalgia and POTS

Education Highlights

If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you understand the symptoms can have an impact on your ability to function at work. You may find that as your symptoms worsen—pain, brain fog, fatigue—your work performance starts to suffer. This could lead to more mistakes or difficulty keeping up with tasks. Because of this, you may need time off or accommodations in order to keep working. As an employee, you might not know all the options available to you to support you while you continue to earn a living and pay your bills. Here is a list of ideas to help you keep the lights on.

Fact Sheet – Fibromyalgia Guide for Employees

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties (often called "fibro fog"). Symptoms vary from person to person and can fluctuate in severity. While invisible, fibromyalgia can impact an employee’s ability to perform certain tasks. Many employees with fibromyalgia are high-performing and hardworking but may experience "flare-ups"—periods when pain and fatigue significantly impact their ability to work. Employees with fibromyalgia may need accommodations occasionally, long term, or on an ongoing basis.

Fact Sheet – Supporting Employees with Fibromyalgia: A Guide for Canadian Employers

Fact Sheet on Herbal and Other Natural Products

Fact Sheet on Herbal and Other Natural Products

Recevoir un diagnostic de fibromyalgie peut être accablant. Contrairement à d'autres affections avec des tests diagnostiques clairs et des plans de traitement définis, la fibromyalgie reste mal comprise. Cette incertitude peut entraîner des sentiments de frustration, de peur et d'impuissance. Tout le monde ne souffrira pas d'anxiété et de dépression, mais plusieurs facteurs peuvent conduire à ces états d'humeur lorsque l'on vit avec la fibromyalgie.

Fibromyalgia and Anxiety:

Events You Might Have Missed

Dr. Andrea Furlan Physiatrist and Tyler Dillman Physiotherapist talk about Fresh Start September and how self management is crucial with fibromyalgia.

Fresh Start September – A Round Table Discussion on Self-Management with Fibromyalgia

qi gong with Carolynne on September 16th for Fresh Start September

De-Stress Day with QIGONG September 16 at 5PM EST

Fibro Chat with Trudy Flynn & Janice Sumpton

Fibro Chat about the Latest Research

Fibro Chat with Trudy and Lynn: Preventing Isolation in the Winter

Fibro Chat with Trudy and Lynn, June 9, 2025 @ 12:00 pm EST

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