Fibromyalgia: Living with Chronic Widespread Pain

A long-misunderstood disease

Fibromyalgia is now recognized by health authorities as a syndrome of chronic widespread pain associated with intense fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction ("fibrofog"). It is believed to result from a central dysfunction in pain processing.

Typical symptoms

• Widespread pain for more than 3 months
• Invalidating fatigue not relieved by sleep
• Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
• Irritable bowel, restless legs syndrome
• Frequent headaches

Concrete solutions

Adapted physical activity: this is the most effective treatment. Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, tai chi at progressive intensity. Reduces pain by 30-40%.

Medications: low-dose amitriptyline, duloxetine, pregabalin. Conventional analgesics are poorly effective; opioids are not recommended.

Mind-body approaches: CBT, hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, sophrology reduce pain perception.

Lifestyle: regular sleep, stress management, anti-inflammatory diet (omega-3s, vegetables, low in refined sugars).