Fibromyalgia: what is it?

Many people ask me what Fibro is. 

Honestly, I think that when we have it, and know so many others with it, it’s easy to forget that not everyone understands the basics of Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body.

The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek words for muscle (myo) and pain (algia). So yes, fibromyalgia literally means “pain in the muscles and fibrous tissues.” But that definition barely scratches the surface.

Fibromyalgia Is a Whole-Body Experience

Fibromyalgia syndrome (often shortened to fibro, FM, or FMS) affects the nervous system and how the brain processes pain signals. It’s long-term, unpredictable, and often invisible. Symptoms can vary from day to day, and flare-ups may come without warning.

Common symptoms include:

• Sleep disturbances and waking unrefreshed

• Cognitive issues (“fibro fog”)—trouble with memory, focus, and word recall

• Fatigue that feels bone-deep and unrelenting

• Temperature sensitivity

• Morning stiffness and muscle tenderness

• Headaches and migraines

• Painful menstrual cycles

• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

• Restless legs syndrome

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Sensory overload, anxiety, and mood shifts

• a variety of other symptoms 

And that’s just the beginning. Many people also experience jaw pain (TMJ), bladder issues, and overlapping conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome or autoimmune disorders.

What Makes Fibro So Complex?

According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia is a neurologic chronic health condition. It’s not caused by inflammation or joint damage, but by changes in how the brain and spinal cord interpret pain and non-pain signals. This means even light pressure or mild exertion can feel overwhelming.

Symptoms often fluctuate:

• One week, pain might be everywhere.

• The next, it might settle in your shoulders, hips, or hands.

• Triggers can include stress, illness, weather changes, or seemingly nothing at all.

There’s no cure yet, but there are ways to manage symptoms even though it can be challenging—through pacing, gentle movement, sleep support, and emotional validation.

According to the American College of Rheumatology Fibromyalgia is a neurologic chronic health condition that causes pain all over the body and other symptoms. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia that patients most often have are: Tenderness to touch or pressure affecting muscles and sometimes joints or even the skin. Severe fatigue. Sleep problems (waking up unrefreshed). Problems with memory or thinking clearly. 

You might also like to read:

Fibromyalgia explained by the experts (what 12 organisations say)

Read full article about what Fibromyalgia is.

Fibro Friday is where you can find what others are saying about fibromyalgia.