Fibromyalgia and widespread aches and pains: what to know
What fibromyalgia is, the symptoms the NHS lists, what tends to help, and why a GP assessment matters when aches are widespread.
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain and a greater sensitivity to pain, often with tiredness, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating. There is no specific test, and there is no cure, but there are things that help, and many people learn to manage it well.
When to get urgent help
Go to A&E or call 999 if you have any of these. They can be signs of a fracture, infection, blood clot or other emergency.
- A limb that looks deformed, or a joint that you cannot move or put weight on after an injury
- A cold, pale or numb foot or hand after injury
- A hot, red, swollen joint with a high temperature
- A painful, swollen, warm calf, with or without breathlessness or chest pain
What it can feel like
- Widespread pain and increased sensitivity to pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Poor sleep and fatigue
- Memory and concentration problems ('fibro-fog'), headaches and irritable bowel symptoms, and sometimes low mood
Common contributors
- The cause is not fully understood
- Changes in how the nervous system processes pain
- Often begins after an illness, injury, or a long stressful period
- Symptoms can fluctuate, sometimes improving suddenly and sometimes worsening
General self-care
These are general comfort measures many people find reasonable. They are not a treatment plan, and what suits one person may not suit another.
- Exercise is especially useful because it can help reduce pain. Start low and build very gradually, because overdoing it can cause a flare
- Pace your activities, with regular breaks, rather than alternating overdoing and crashing
- Prioritise sleep routines and relaxation techniques
- Talking therapies such as CBT or acceptance and commitment therapy can help people to manage pain
- Speak to your GP about the medicines that may be suitable
When to see your GP
See your GP promptly, or call NHS 111, if you have any of the following:
- Pain after a significant injury, fall or twist
- Pain that is constant, severe or getting worse, or wakes you at night
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or feeling generally unwell with limb pain
Consider seeing your GP if:
- You think you may have fibromyalgia. A GP will need to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms
- Pain with swelling, redness or heat in joints, fever or unexplained weight loss
- Pain that is affecting your mood or sleep badly
Where an osteopath fits in
There is limited good-quality research showing that hands-on treatment changes the course of fibromyalgia, so I do not claim that osteopathy treats it.
The NHS says the usual treatment is a combination of lifestyle changes such as exercise and relaxation, talking therapies, and medicines. Hands-on treatment is not a core treatment.
What an osteopath can usefully do is listen to your story, check whether other treatable contributors such as neck, back or joint problems are adding to the pain, advise on gentle, paced movement and sleep, and support the plan from your GP. I would work with, not instead of, your GP. If the assessment suggests you need your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist instead, I will tell you.
If you would like your symptoms assessed, you are welcome to book an appointment. Osteopathic care is not right for everyone, and if something needs medical attention first, I will tell you.
Common questions
What helps fibromyalgia?
The NHS says there is no cure, but treatment can ease symptoms. It usually combines lifestyle changes such as exercise and relaxation, talking therapies such as CBT and ACT, and medicines such as antidepressants. Exercise is especially useful because it can help reduce pain.
Can fibromyalgia be diagnosed with a test?
No. The NHS says there is no specific test, so a GP will need to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Sources and further reading
Links open in a new tab. Sources were checked in October 2026.
- NHS: Fibromyalgia
- Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service: Persistent (long-term) musculoskeletal pain
Related guides
This page is general information to help you understand common aches and pains. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose your problem. If you are worried about your symptoms, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111.