Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain, fatigue, and “fibro fog” assessed against structured criteria, not a single test, with the pain-sleep-mood cycle addressed directly.
What it is
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread musculoskeletal pain along with fatigue, non-restorative sleep, and cognitive symptoms often described as “fibro fog.” Diagnosis follows criteria combining a Widespread Pain Index (pain across multiple body regions) with a Symptom Severity scale (fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive difficulty), rather than any single test or scan, since imaging is typically normal.
Common symptoms & concerns
- Widespread pain across four or more of five body regions, present for three months or more
- Fatigue and unrefreshing sleep despite adequate time in bed
- Cognitive symptoms (“fibro fog”): difficulty concentrating, word-finding, and short-term memory
- Higher symptom-severity scores associated with greater functional impact and often co-occurring mood symptoms
Assessment & care
Assessment approach
Assessment applies the widespread pain index and symptom severity scale directly, since imaging and standard bloodwork are typically normal in fibromyalgia and cannot confirm or exclude it on their own.
In-scope care
In-scope care includes a multidisciplinary pain-rehabilitation program, CBT, and a sleep hygiene program, with an Ayurvedic dietary/lifestyle protocol and mind-body practices available as adjuncts. CBT addresses the pain-sleep-mood cycle centrally while lifestyle measures address broader systemic load, run in parallel rather than as alternatives.
Treatments used
Related questions
No single test confirms fibromyalgia; diagnosis relies on clinical criteria combining a widespread pain index with a symptom severity scale, since imaging and standard blood work are typically normal.
There is currently no cure. Treatment focuses on reducing symptom burden and improving function through approaches such as CBT, graded exercise, and sleep management.
Many patients report that stress, poor sleep, and mood symptoms amplify pain, which is why the pain-sleep-mood cycle is addressed directly as part of care.