Fibromyalgia Treatments at Beacon Park Hospital in Stafford

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that can affect every part of your daily life, but it is also highly manageable. Although there is no single cure, many people find that the right combination of treatments can significantly reduce their symptoms, improve function, and restore quality of life. 

At Ramsay Health Care, fibromyalgia care is delivered through a multidisciplinary team of pain specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists and rehabilitation experts who work together to support you physically and emotionally. 

This page explains what fibromyalgia is, what causes it, the symptoms, the eight types of fibromyalgia pain, how diagnosis works, and the full range of fibromyalgia treatments available.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to pain. It affects how your central nervous system processes pain signals, meaning your brain and spinal cord become more reactive to sensations that would not normally be painful. Fibromyalgia is not a joint disease and not a muscle disease. Instead, it is a disorder of pain processing, sometimes called central sensitisation.

People with fibromyalgia often describe pain that moves around the body, fluctuates in intensity, and is accompanied by sleep disturbance, cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”), and stiffness. Symptoms can vary from day to day, and flare-ups are common.

If you are exploring other causes of chronic pain, you may also find our page on chronic pain helpful.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still not fully understood. Research suggests it is likely due to a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics - fibromyalgia can run in families, suggesting inherited differences in pain processing.

• Infections - certain viral or bacterial illnesses appear to trigger symptoms in some people.

• Physical trauma - injuries, surgery or long-term musculoskeletal strain may contribute.

• Emotional trauma or stress - prolonged stress can affect how your nervous system regulates pain.

• Central nervous system sensitisation - your brain becomes more sensitive to pain signals over time.

Most experts believe fibromyalgia develops when these factors combine to change how your nervous system interprets pain, leading to persistent symptoms even when no tissue damage is present.

Fibromyalgia symptoms

Fibromyalgia symptoms vary widely, but the most common include:

• Widespread pain - often described as aching, burning, throbbing or stabbing.

• Fatigue - ranging from mild tiredness to severe exhaustion.

• Sleep disturbance - difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking unrefreshed.

• Cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”) - problems with concentration, memory, and mental clarity.

• Stiffness - especially after rest or first thing in the morning.

• Headaches or migraines - often linked to neck and shoulder tension.

• Sensitivity to touch, noise, temperature or light.

• Digestive symptoms - including abdominal pain, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Mood changes - frustration, low mood or anxiety due to chronic pain.

Because fibromyalgia symptoms overlap with many other conditions, diagnosis can take time.

The 8 types of fibromyalgia pain

Understanding the eight types of fibromyalgia pain can help you recognise patterns and choose the right treatments. These categories reflect how fibromyalgia affects nerves, muscles, and pain processing.

1. Hyperalgesia

Hyperalgesia means increased sensitivity to pain. A sensation that would normally be mildly uncomfortable can feel significantly more painful. This happens because your nervous system amplifies pain signals.

2. Allodynia

Allodynia is pain caused by something that should not be painful at all, such as light touch, gentle pressure, or wearing certain clothing. It is one of the hallmark features of fibromyalgia.

3. Paresthesia

Paresthesia refers to tingling, numbness, prickling or burning sensations, often in your hands, feet, arms or legs. These sensations are caused by altered nerve signalling rather than nerve damage.

4. Widespread muscle pain

Many people experience deep, aching muscle pain across their body. This may feel like post-exercise soreness, but without a clear cause. Muscle pain often worsens with stress, cold weather or poor sleep.

5. Nerve-type pain

Fibromyalgia can cause sharp, shooting or electric-shock-like pain, similar to nerve pain seen in conditions such as neuropathy. This is due to changes in how your nervous system interprets signals.

6. Headaches and migraines

Tension in your neck and shoulders can lead to frequent headaches or migraines. These may be accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity or visual disturbances.

7. Jaw pain (TMJ-related)

Fibromyalgia is associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, causing jaw stiffness, clicking, or facial discomfort. TMJ pain can worsen headaches and neck pain.

8. Abdominal or IBS-related pain

Digestive symptoms are common. Many people experience abdominal pain, cramping, bloating or IBS-related discomfort, linked to heightened sensitivity in the gut.

Fibromyalgia diagnosis

Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging because there is no single test that confirms it. Instead, diagnosis is based on:

• Your symptoms

• How long they have been present – they are usually required to have persisted for at least three months

• The pattern of pain across your body

• Ruling out other conditions

Tender point and widespread pain criteria

Doctors look for widespread pain affecting both sides of your body, above and below the waist, lasting at least three months. Tender points may be examined, but modern diagnostic criteria focus more on overall symptom patterns.

Tests to rule out other conditions

Blood tests, scans and other investigations may be used to exclude conditions with similar symptoms, such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Hypothyroidism

• Lupus

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Chronic infections

These tests do not diagnose fibromyalgia, but they help ensure nothing else is causing your symptoms.

Why diagnosis can take time

Many people with fibromyalgia experience long diagnostic journeys. Symptoms can mimic other conditions, fluctuate, and be difficult to describe. 

At Ramsay, our consultant-led approach ensures unhurried appointments, careful listening, and a clear plan to reach a diagnosis without unnecessary delays.

If you would like clarity sooner, you can book an appointment to get a clear diagnosis without a long wait.

Fibromyalgia treatments

Fibromyalgia treatment works best when it is personalised. Most people benefit from a combination of medication, physical therapies, psychological support and lifestyle changes. 

Ramsay’s multidisciplinary team will help you build a treatment plan that reflects your symptoms, goals and daily life.

Medication

Medication can help reduce pain, improve sleep and calm nerve sensitivity. It includes:

• Pain relief - simple analgesics may help during flare-ups.

• Antidepressants - used to modulate pain pathways, not just mood. They can improve sleep and reduce pain intensity.

• Anti-seizure medications - sometimes used off-label for nerve-type pain due to their effect on nerve signalling.

Your consultant will discuss which options are most suitable and how they fit into your wider treatment plan.

Physical therapies

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of fibromyalgia treatment. It includes:

• Physiotherapy - gentle stretching, mobility work and strengthening exercises can reduce stiffness and improve function. Learn more

• Graded exercise programmes - tailored activity plans help build stamina without triggering flare-ups.

• Trigger point injections - useful for localised muscle pain caused by tight, painful knots.

Psychological support

Living with chronic pain can affect your mood, sleep and coping. Psychological therapies help manage the emotional impact of fibromyalgia.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - supports pacing, stress management and coping strategies. Learn more

• Pain psychology - helps reduce fear-avoidance behaviours and improve quality of life.

Lifestyle and self-management

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Sleep hygiene - consistent routines, limiting screens, and creating a restful environment.

• Stress management - relaxation techniques, mindfulness and breathing exercises.

• Pacing activity - balancing activity and rest to avoid boom-and-bust cycles.

• Healthy diet and hydration - supporting energy levels and digestive health.

Fibromyalgia is highly individual, so your consultant will help you identify which strategies work best for you.

Book a consultation with a pain specialist to discuss a personalised fibromyalgia treatment plan.

Fibromyalgia treatment at Ramsay Health Care

Ramsay Health Care offers consultant-led fibromyalgia treatment with fast access to assessment, diagnosis and personalised care. Our multidisciplinary team includes pain specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists and rehabilitation experts who work together to support every aspect of your wellbeing.

Why choose Ramsay:

• Experienced pain management consultants

• Shorter waiting times than the NHS

• Personalised treatment plans

• Access to physiotherapy, psychology and pain interventions

• Self-pay options, insurance pathways and flexible payment plans

Book a consultation with our pain management specialists to discuss your treatment options.

Fibromyalgia FAQs