Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies

Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread body pain, often debilitating fatigue, problems sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, it can also affect mood and overall mental well-being.

While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, making beneficial dietary and lifestyle adjustments can help manage pain, improve energy levels, and support long-term recovery. 

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is characterized by a central nervous system that becomes overly sensitive, causing those affected to feel pain more intensely and experience heightened responses to sensory input.

This often debilitating chronic condition is believed to be associated with central sensitivity syndrome (CSS), meaning the nervous system triggers amplified pain signals in the absence of visible tissue damage or injury.

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain and tenderness in joints and soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Pain is considered widespread when it occurs on both sides of the body and above and below the waist.

Because fibromyalgia symptoms overlap with those of other rheumatic diseases, it can be challenging to accurately diagnose fibromyalgia, despite being a well-recognized health issue that affects millions worldwide. 

In addition, the causes of fibromyalgia are poorly understood, and effective treatment methods are lacking, leaving many people affected to seek alternative ways to manage persistent pain.  

Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Science confirms this, summarizing “90 percent of people with fibromyalgia turn to complementary medicine to manage their symptoms.”

Watch the video below to discover a surprising fibromyalgia trigger.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia

Although it doesn’t appear to involve structural changes to the musculoskeletal or nervous system, fibromyalgia affects the body in multiple ways. 

Most notably, it triggers significant muscle pain and stiffness, often accompanied by a wide range of other symptoms.

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include: 

• Joint discomfort 
• Increased sensitivity to pain, light, and noise
• Headaches and persistent neck pain 
• Digestive issues 
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Numbness or tingling 
• Irritability 
• Balance problems 
• Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders 

In addition, fibromyalgia can trigger a range of mental and cognitive symptoms, commonly referred to as fibro-fog, which may include memory problems, trouble concentrating, and a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

Causes and risk factors

It’s believed that fibromyalgia development is caused by a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, environmental factors, and physical or emotional stress. 

While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, these factors may contribute to changes in the way the central nervous system processes stimuli, leading to heightened pain sensitivity and other characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia. 

Furthermore, a study published in PloS One found that gallbladder issues may trigger increased pain sensitivity and muscle stiffness in people with fibromyalgia. 

The gallbladder facilitates bile flow, which plays a critical role in eliminating toxins, absorbing essential nutrients, and maintaining a balanced intestinal microflora.

“Disruptions in detoxification, nutrient absorption, and gut balance can amplify inflammation and nerve sensitivity, potentially contributing to pain, fatigue, and other symptoms experienced by people with fibromyalgia,” explains Dr. Berg. 

Those with a family history, exposure to Epstein-Barr or herpes simplex virus, or chronically poor sleep quality are also more likely to develop fibromyalgia. 

In addition to stressful life events, major illness or injury, systemic inflammation, poor dietary habits, and nutrient deficiencies have been found to exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms and may trigger flare-ups.

Furthermore, women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, pointing to a potential link to hormonal fluctuations that can influence pain perception.

Natural remedies and lifestyle tips

Conventional fibromyalgia treatment typically involves a combination of medications, including pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and antidepressant drugs. 

However, this approach is often not very effective and can lead to various side effects, leaving many individuals with fibromyalgia seeking more natural solutions. 

Here are seven natural remedies to help improve pain and discomfort.

1. Extra virgin olive oil  

Many symptoms related to fibromyalgia are believed to be linked to systemic inflammation and associated oxidative stress, which can disrupt cellular energy production, nutrient exchange, and nervous system signals.

This may explain why regular use of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), which contains potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, appears to help reduce pain sensations and muscle stiffness.  

Evidence published in Nutrients suggests that the consumption of EVOO, which is an exceptional source of the phenolic compound hydroxytyrosol, may be highly beneficial in managing fibromyalgia. 

2. Manage stress 

Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, which causes a cascade of hormonal fluctuation and cellular changes that stimulate nervous system activity.

Chronic stress or traumatic events can cause an overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, keeping the body in a constant state of alert. 

Over time, this heightened state increases muscle tension, inflammation, and pain sensitivity, while depleting energy reserves and disrupting sleep and hormone balance, all of which have been linked to the development of fibromyalgia. 

Stress management is vital to reducing pain sensitivity and other symptoms related to fibromyalgia.

Effective ways to reduce stress and calm an overstimulated nervous system include:

• Schedule regular downtime 
• Deep breathing exercises 
• Spend time in nature
• Gentle movement exercises
• Connect with loved ones
• Engage in hobbies
• Prioritize recovery and restful sleep 

3. Follow a low-carb diet 

A study published in Nutrients reports that a low-carbohydrate diet resulted in a marked reduction in both rheumatological and psychological symptoms in a group of female fibromyalgia patients.

The authors suggest these effects were likely linked to the metabolic and hormonal changes triggered by a low-carb ketogenic diet, which support steady energy levels, enhance cellular function, and may help reduce inflammation that contributes to pain and fatigue.

Healthy Keto® is a low-carb dietary approach that, in addition to restricting carbs, focuses on minimally processed and nutrient-rich whole foods. 

By prioritizing nutritious low-carb foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Healthy Keto supports energy production and helps lower oxidative stress. This may improve pain levels, mood, and overall well-being in those with fibromyalgia.

4. Support gallbladder function 

Because sluggish gallbladder function may exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms, it’s vital to support healthy bile flow and liver detoxification. 

Consuming adequate amounts of nutritious fats triggers the release of bile flow and helps maintain effective gallbladder function.

In addition, choline-rich foods, such as egg yolks, oily fish, chicken, and organ meats, help maintain optimal bile consistency. This reduces the risk of bile sludge, which can lead to gallbladder congestion and associated health issues. 

Regularly incorporating bitter leafy vegetables like arugula, dandelion greens, and kale stimulates bile production and helps eliminate toxins, which may reduce inflammation and muscle discomfort.

5. Acupressure therapy 

Acupressure involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation.

Acupressure can help target specific tender points, which are areas that are sore or sensitive, to help release tight muscles, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system.

As there are various techniques for managing fibromyalgia-related soreness, it’s best to work with a physical therapist to ensure trigger point pressure is applied safely and effectively. 

Regular acupressure, combined with gentle stretching exercises and relaxation techniques, can help alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and prevent fibromyalgia flare-ups.

6. Practice prolonged fasting 

Prolonged fasting, which involves caloric restriction for between 24 to 72 hours, has shown therapeutic benefits for individuals with fibromyalgia. 

Research published in Nutrients reports that regular intervals of prolonged fasting can help relieve pain, improve sleep, support better mental health, and enhance overall quality of life. 

Fasting triggers autophagy, the body’s natural repair and recycling mechanism, which helps remove damaged cellular components and stimulates cell renewal. 

By promoting cellular repair, fasting can improve metabolic function, reduce inflammation, and balance nervous system signaling, all of which may help decrease pain sensitivity and fatigue.

While fasting may benefit those with fibromyalgia, it’s recommended to discuss prolonged fasting with a healthcare provider to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any existing treatment approaches. 

7. Prioritize sleep 

Getting enough good-quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, especially for individuals with fibromyalgia. 

However, almost 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients report sleep disturbances, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue and increased pain sensitivity. 

Poor sleep worsens fibromyalgia symptoms, while restorative sleep helps regulate pain pathways, reduce inflammation, and support cognitive and emotional health.

Here are steps you can take to get a good night’s sleep:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule 
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and calm
• Avoid eating large meals within two to three hours of bedtime
• Limit stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine 
• Incorporate sleep-promoting foods
• Practice relaxation techniques 

When to see a doctor

It’s important to consult a doctor if you experience ongoing muscle pain, fatigue, or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest, as these may be signs of fibromyalgia.

A healthcare provider can review your health history and perform a physical exam to evaluate tender points and joint inflammation. 

They may also order blood tests to help rule out other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or rheumatoid arthritis, as they can cause symptoms similar to fibromyalgia. 

If you’re treating fibromyalgia with medications but notice that your symptoms are getting worse, it’s essential to follow up with your doctor to review your treatment plan and identify any potentially underlying issues that may require attention.

In addition, individuals with severe fibromyalgia symptoms may benefit from working with an occupational therapist to improve daily function and manage pain more effectively.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8068842/ 
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4833355/ 
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7468876/ 
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11175073/ 
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11013748/