Fibromyalgia

Myofascial pain syndrome, FMS

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the body.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it may be linked to the way your nervous system processes pain signals. It seems to often be triggered by a stressful life event.

Fibromyalgia can affect anyone, but tends to develop between the ages of 30 and 50.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

  • widespread pain
  • constantly feeling extremely tired
  • headaches
  • muscle stiffness, especially in the morning

Are you affected by Fibromyalgia?

If you’re affected by fibromyalgia, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with fibromyalgia, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with fibromyalgia from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone affected by Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition. Although there is nothing you can do to make the pain disappear, exercise has been found to help relieve the symptoms. It can be beneficial, therefore, to encourage physical activity when possible.

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with fibromyalgia? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including fibromyalgia, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

John lives with fibromyalgia having been diagnosed in 2010 Information

John’s fibromyalgia story: “I’ve gone from champion jockey to championing carers’ rights”

The dad didn't believe fibromyalgia was real - now he has support to work full-time.
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Legal advice at The Brain Charity in LIverpool Practical help

Expert legal advice you can trust

Expert legal advice for people with brain injuries and neurological conditions.
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Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on Fibromyalgia and on a wide range of disability-related issues.

Visit our library to read Living with Fibromyalgia by Christine Craggs-Hinton and Fibromyalgia by Arthritis Research UK.

Support groups

UK Fibromyalgia

Find your local support group.

Other charities

Fibro Action UK (charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with fibromyalgia)

Helpline: 0300 999 3333
Website: www.fmauk.org

UK Fibromyalgia (providing services to UK based people living with fibromyalgia)

Website: www.ukfibromyalgia.com