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    3. Rheumatology
    4. Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our rheumatology specialists provide expert assessment, diagnosis, and fibromyalgia treatment tailored to your symptoms and needs.

    If widespread pain, ongoing tiredness, or other symptoms are affecting your daily life, our team will listen to your concerns, identify possible causes, and develop a personalised care plan with you.

    Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that affects how the brain and nervous system process pain signals. It can cause widespread pain, tiredness, and other symptoms that vary from person to person.

    A thorough assessment can help identify the most likely diagnosis, look for other conditions, and help you find ways to manage your symptoms.

    Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain. It can also affect your sleep, energy, memory and concentration.

    The exact cause is not fully understood. Researchers believe the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain and other sensory signals. As a result, sensations that would not usually be painful may feel more intense.

    Fibromyalgia does not damage your joints, muscles or internal organs. However, its symptoms can significantly affect your daily activities and quality of life.

    • There is no single pattern of early symptoms. Symptoms may develop gradually, come and go, or become more persistent over time.

      You may experience:

      • Widespread pain in several areas of your body

      • Ongoing tiredness or fatigue

      • Difficulty sleeping

      • Waking without feeling refreshed

      • Stiffness, particularly in the morning

      • Problems with memory or concentration, sometimes called “fibro fog”

      • Headaches

      • Increased sensitivity to pain, temperature, light, or noise

      • Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

      These symptoms can also occur with other medical conditions. An assessment can help identify the most likely cause.

    • The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. It is likely to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.

      Symptoms sometimes begin or become more noticeable after:

      • A physical injury

      • A major operation

      • An infection

      • A period of significant emotional stress

      Fibromyalgia can run in families. It can also occur alongside other long-term pain or rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Having one of these conditions does not necessarily mean that it caused fibromyalgia.

      Can a virus cause fibromyalgia?

      There are no known viruses that cause fibromyalgia directly.

      Some people report that their symptoms started after a viral or bacterial infection. An infection may act as one of several possible triggers in someone who is already susceptible to fibromyalgia. However, researchers have not identified a specific infection as the direct cause.

    • Your assessment begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination.

      Your rheumatology specialist may ask about:

      • Where you feel pain and how long it has been present

      • Your energy levels and sleep

      • Problems with memory or concentration

      • Other symptoms you have noticed

      • Your medical and family history

      • How your symptoms affect your daily activities

      There is no single blood test or scan that confirms fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is based on your symptoms and clinical assessment.

      Your consultant may recommend tests to check for other possible causes of your symptoms. These may include:

      • Blood tests to check for inflammatory, thyroid, or autoimmune conditions

      • X-rays or MRI if your symptoms or examination suggest another musculoskeletal condition

      Imaging is not usually needed to diagnose fibromyalgia itself. Your assessment will be tailored to your symptoms and clinical findings.

    • There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, but treatment can help reduce its effect on your daily life.

      No single treatment works for everyone. Your care plan may combine several approaches based on your symptoms, health, and personal goals.

      Education and self-management 

      Understanding fibromyalgia can help you recognise patterns in your symptoms, prepare for flare-ups and make informed decisions about your care.

      Gradual physical activity

      Gentle, regular activity may help improve your strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Your care team can help you begin gradually and choose activities suited to your current abilities.

      Physiotherapy

      A physiotherapist can develop an exercise programme to help improve movement, reduce stiffness, and support your long-term physical function.

      Talking therapies

      Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), may help you develop practical ways to manage pain, stress, and the effect of symptoms on daily life.

      Medicines

      Your consultant may recommend medicines to help with pain, sleep, or other symptoms. The most appropriate option will depend on your health, your symptoms, and any other medicines you take.

      Sleep, stress, and activity management

      Improving your sleep routine, managing stress and balancing activity with rest may help you manage your symptoms. Your care team can help you find an approach that works for you.

      Coordinated care

      Fibromyalgia affects each person differently. Your care may involve rheumatology specialists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals working together to support you.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to experienced specialists and coordinated care for musculoskeletal conditions.

      Our approach includes:

      • Consultant-led assessment and diagnosis

      • Investigations to look for other conditions with similar symptoms

      • Personalised treatment based on your symptoms and goals

      • Collaboration between rheumatology, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging specialists

      • Evidence-based care informed by globally recognised Mayo Clinic expertise

      We will help you understand your condition, consider your treatment options and make informed decisions about your care.

    Private health insurance for rheumatology treatment

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a private assessment

    If widespread pain, persistent fatigue or other possible symptoms of fibromyalgia are affecting your daily life, our rheumatology specialists can assess your symptoms and determine whether fibromyalgia or another condition may explain them.

    Your consultant will discuss the findings with you and recommend a personalised fibromyalgia treatment plan where appropriate.

    Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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