Fibromyalgia: UK Diagnosis, Management & Online Doctor
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep and 'fibro fog'.
- Diagnosis is clinical — there's no single test.
- Graded exercise, sleep hygiene and CBT have the best evidence.
- Medications (amitriptyline, duloxetine, pregabalin) help some.
Symptoms
- Widespread pain >3 months.
- Fatigue.
- Non-restorative sleep.
- Cognitive symptoms ('fibro fog').
- Often coexists with IBS, migraine, anxiety.
Management
- Graded aerobic and resistance exercise — strongest evidence.
- Sleep hygiene.
- CBT or ACT.
- Pacing activities.
- Pain education programmes.
Medication
- Amitriptyline 10–50mg at night — first line.
- Duloxetine — for pain with low mood.
- Pregabalin — alternative.
- Standard painkillers (NSAIDs, opioids) are usually unhelpful.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about fibromyalgia.
How an online doctor can help
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This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
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