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  Nia McGregor A selfie of Nia, she has a white blonde bob and dark rimmed glasses. Shelving can be seen behind her with a TV screen on the right. Nia McGregor Nia used to enjoy travelling and riding her motorbike, but now every movement causes severe pain throughout her body For 48-year-old Nia McGregor, talking to people and even wearing clothes hurts. She has fibromyalgia, a condition that causes extreme physical pain and tiredness, and said at her lowest she was taking 79 different tablets a day. Ms McGregor,…

  Chronic back pain amplifies sound unpleasantness; fMRI links it to sensory circuits, and pain reprocessing therapy may help normalize responses.   Advertisement   Those with chronic back pain (CBP) are more sensitive to sound, with early evidence that pain reprocessing therapy could help reduce this heightened response, according to a study published in Annals of Neurology in February 2026.   CBP affects more than 600 million people worldwide and, in many cases, doesn’t have a clear physical cause, causing curiosities amongst researchers toward changes in how the brain processes…

  Chronic Pain Fibromyalgia, Pain, and Substance Use Disorders Fibromyalgia is a risk factor for opioid, cannabis, and alcohol use disorders.   Fibromyalgia affects between 4 and 10 million and 60 million people suffer from > 3months of pain   Fibromyalgia and chronic pain create a “fertile breeding ground” for self-medication and iatrogenic addiction. . Fibromyalgia involves abnormal pain processing; the brain struggles to turn off pain signals. Many brain pathways involved in fibromyalgia are also involved in addiction.   Addiction occurs through a cycle of central sensitization, inadequate relief,…

    Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic condition marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Although its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood, psychological stress and lifestyle factors are thought to play a key role in symptom development and severity. Academic environments, often characterised by high workloads and sustained stress, may therefore represent a setting where fibromyalgia symptoms are particularly prevalent.   A new cross-sectional study conducted at Umm Al Qura University in Saudi Arabia offers insight into the burden of fibromyalgia symptoms among students and faculty, while also…

  Fibromyalgia is a chronic multisystem disorder marked by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep and mood disturbances, predominantly affecting women. Its multifactorial etiology and diagnosis by exclusion often delay recognition. A multimodal approach, with reassurance, shared treatment goals, education, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exercise, is critical. Effective pharmacologic options include duloxetine, milnacipran, pregabalin, and amitriptyline. This report describes a female in her late thirties who presented to the clinic with chronic widespread pain. Her past medical history was significant for a motor-vehicle accident four months ago, bipolar II disorder,…

Home Rheumatology Fibromyalgia Symptoms Common in Academic Communities     Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic condition marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Although its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood, psychological stress and lifestyle factors are thought to play a key role in symptom development and severity. Academic environments, often characterised by high workloads and sustained stress, may therefore represent a setting where fibromyalgia symptoms are particularly prevalent.   A new cross-sectional study conducted at Umm Al Qura University in Saudi Arabia offers insight into the burden of…

Many people with fibromyalgia report that pain and stiffness are worse in the morning. Starting the day with discomfort can be frustrating, but understanding why it happens and how to manage it can make mornings more manageable. 🔹 Why Pain Is Worse in the Morning Several factors contribute to morning stiffness and pain in fibromyalgia: Muscle Stiffness Overnight During sleep, muscles remain relatively inactive, which can lead to stiffness upon waking. Non-Restorative Sleep Fibromyalgia often disrupts deep sleep stages, so your body doesn’t fully repair muscles overnight. Inflammation and Sensitivity…

Many people with fibromyalgia notice that their pain levels fluctuate with the weather. This isn’t just coincidence—changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can affect muscles, joints, and nerve sensitivity. Understanding these patterns can help you prepare and manage symptoms effectively. 🔹 How Weather Impacts Pain Weather can influence fibromyalgia symptoms in several ways: Barometric Pressure Drops: Low atmospheric pressure can make tissues expand slightly, irritating nerves and causing increased pain. Cold Temperatures: Muscles tighten, circulation slows, and stiffness often worsens. Heat & Humidity: High temperatures can increase fatigue and…

Fibromyalgia symptoms don’t always stay the same throughout the year. Many people notice that their pain, fatigue, and overall discomfort change with the seasons. Understanding these patterns can help you better manage flare-ups and stay in control. 🔹 Why Seasons Affect Fibromyalgia Seasonal changes can influence the body in several ways: Temperature shifts (cold or heat) Humidity levels Barometric pressure changes Sunlight exposure (Vitamin D levels) 👉 These factors can trigger or worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. ❄️ Winter: Increased Pain & Stiffness Winter is often the hardest season for many patients.…