Fibromyalgia FAQ’s
Diagnosis
Answers to common questions about diagnosing fibromyalgia
Will fibromyalgia kill you?
Fibromyalgia is not life-threatening, it will not kill you and it does not cause damage to organs or tissues. However, its chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms can greatly affect quality of life if not properly managed.
How fibromyalgia is diagnosed
How you get diagnosed is by your doctor and they will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and rule out other possible conditions like thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Your doctor should use The American College of Rheumatology 2016 Diagnostic Criteria to make the diagnosis.
View the full criteria here »
Will fibromyalgia show up on an MRI?
No, fibromyalgia doesn’t show up on a regular MRI. Some researchers have used functional MRIs (fMRIs) to study fibromyalgia and found that people with fibromyalgia process pain differently in the brain. However, those changes aren’t specific enough to fibromyalgia to be used for a diagnosis. Also, fMRIs are mainly used in research and aren’t something most doctors can access in regular healthcare settings.
Is there a blood test for fibromyalgia?
No, unfortunately there is not a conclusive blood test to diagnose you with fibromyalgia. For more information see this article that FAC’s Research committee wrote on this topic. Here
Fibromyalgia which specialist?
There are no specialists for fibromyalgia. Your family doctor plays the central role by diagnosing and helping you navigate treatment and symptom management of fibromyalgia. Your family doctor will only refer you to other specialists if needed for other co-occurring conditions like POTS.
Fibromyalgia who diagnoses?
Your family doctor can diagnose and treat your fibromyalgia. While fibromyalgia is not a diagnosis of exclusion, your doctor will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and rule out other possible conditions like thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Your doctor should use The American College of Rheumatology 2016 Diagnostic Criteria to make the diagnosis.
View the full criteria here »
Pain
Answers to common questions about fibromyalgia pain
What does fibromyalgia feel like?
Fibromyalgaia is widespread, chronic pain, described as aching, burning, or throbbing. Many people also experience intense fatigue, sleep disturbances, and brain fog that make daily activities challenging. The symptoms can vary in intensity and often come and go in flares.
What is the pain like compared to rheumatoid arthritis?
The pain from fibromyalgia is more widespread while the pain from rheumatoid arthritis is concentrated to the hands, wrists, knees and balls of your feet.
Where fibromyalgia hurts
Fibromyalgia pain is widespread and affects multiple areas of the body, including the neck, back, hips, shoulders, arms, and legs. It can occur on both sides of the body and above and below the waist. In some cases, it may also affect the jaw, chest, or abdomen.
How does fibromyalgia affect the brain?
Fibromyalgia affects the brain by effecting your brain processes pain signals.This lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and fibro-fog.
How does fibromyalgia affect the body?
Fibromyalgia affects the the body by causing pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body.
Flare Ups
Answers to common questions about dealing with fibromyalgia flares
When fibromyalgia flares
Fibromyalgia flares can happen suddenly and are often triggered by stress, overexertion, poor sleep, weather changes, or illness. During a flare, symptoms like pain, fatigue, and brain fog become more intense and can last for days or even weeks. For suggestions of what to do in a flare go here.
Other Common Questions
Answers to other frequently asked questions about fibromyalgia
Why fibromyalgia happens?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but recent research suggests it’s a chronic condition involving changes in how the brain and nervous system process pain signals, potentially due to neurochemical imbalances or neuroinflammation, rather than nerve damage itself. Genetic factors, stress, infections, or physical trauma may also play a role in triggering or worsening the condition.
Can fibromyalgia go away?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, and while symptoms can improve over time with proper management, it does not go away completely. Some people experience periods of remission or reduced symptoms, but flare-ups can still occur. Ongoing self-care and support are key to maintaining quality of life.
Can fibromyalgia be cured?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, and while symptoms can improve over time with proper management, it does not go away completely. Some people experience periods of remission or reduced symptoms, but flare-ups can still occur. Ongoing self-care and support are key to maintaining quality of life.
What fibromyalgia looks like?
Fibromyalgia is a invisible condition with no visible effects to others.
Are fibromyalgia and POTS related?
Yes, fibromyalgia and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) are often linked. Both are chronic conditions that often overlap, sharing symptoms like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and pain.
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