All questions about Fibromyalgia

What causes fibromyalgia?

Nobody knows exactly. It is thought to come from changes in how the brain and nerves process pain messages, often starting after an injury, infection, operation or emotional trauma.

Doctors think it is related to changes in chemicals in the nervous system and in the way the central nervous system processes pain messages. France's health authority describes a change in how the nervous system detects and turns pain signals up or down, giving a widespread over-sensitivity to pain.

Known triggers include a serious injury, an infection, a major operation and significant emotional trauma; sometimes there is no obvious trigger. Genes may play a small part.

Sources

• NHS: Fibromyalgia, overview
• NHS: Fibromyalgia, causes
• Haute Autorité de Santé (France): Fibromyalgie de l'adulte, conduite diagnostique et stratégie thérapeutique. Recommendations based on expert agreement
• US National Institutes of Health (NIAMS): Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis UK (formerly Versus Arthritis): Fibromyalgia
• American College of Rheumatology: Fibromyalgia (patient fact sheet)

Reviewed 2026-11-07 · next review 2027-11-07