WIDESPREAD CHRONIC PAIN WITH FATIGUE
Fibromyalgia
A chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and cognitive symptoms. Managed with structured multidisciplinary care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbance and cognitive symptoms often called 'fibro fog'. It affects how the nervous system processes pain signals, leading to increased pain sensitivity. The exact cause is not fully understood but involves changes in pain processing in the central nervous system, possibly triggered by physical or emotional stress, infections, injuries or surgery in genetically susceptible individuals. Fibromyalgia is more common in women and typically begins in middle age. Typical features include widespread pain on both sides of the body and above and below the waist, fatigue not improved by rest, unrefreshing sleep, difficulty concentrating and remembering, headaches, irritable bowel symptoms, mood changes and tender points on examination. Diagnosis is clinical and based on specific criteria, after excluding other conditions through targeted tests. Treatment is most effective when multidisciplinary, combining education, structured exercise, sleep optimisation, stress management, cognitive behavioural therapy and specific medical therapy. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive fibromyalgia care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Altered pain processing in the central nervous system
- Genetic predisposition with family clustering
- Triggers including physical or emotional stress
- Infections, injuries or surgery as triggers
- Sleep disturbance and contributing factors
- More common in women
- Mechanism not fully understood
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical evaluation based on specific criteria, with targeted tests to exclude other conditions
Mild · Moderate · Severe — based on pain, fatigue and functional impact
Multidisciplinary care with education, exercise, sleep optimisation and specific medical therapy
Gradually progressive aerobic exercise is the cornerstone of treatment
Optimising sleep is essential — sleep dysfunction is central to the condition
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Multidisciplinary Approach with Education & Exercise
The most effective approach is multidisciplinary care that combines patient education, structured graded exercise, sleep optimisation, stress management techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy and specific medical therapy targeting pain processing, sleep and mood.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms and impact on life, examines the patient and arranges targeted tests to exclude other conditions.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with education, structured exercise programme, sleep and stress management, and specific medical therapy as needed.
- 3
Medical Management
Structured exercise, sleep optimisation, stress management, cognitive behavioural therapy, and specific medical therapy targeting pain processing, sleep or mood.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review to assess progress, adjust the plan and address any new contributing factors or co-existing conditions.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Patient Education and Self-Management
Understanding fibromyalgia, its mechanisms and the role of self-management is empowering and is a cornerstone of long-term care.
Structured Graded Exercise
Gradually progressive low-impact aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) and gentle strengthening is one of the most effective treatments.
Sleep Optimisation
Addressing sleep disturbance with consistent sleep schedule, sleep hygiene measures and treatment of contributing conditions significantly improves overall symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Stress Management (Referral for psychology)
CBT and stress-management techniques effectively reduce pain, improve coping and address mood and anxiety symptoms.
Specific Medical Therapy for Pain, Sleep and Mood
Specific medical therapy targeting pain processing, sleep and mood can significantly improve symptoms when combined with exercise and behavioural strategies.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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