Fibromyalgia living in children

Overview

Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting condition that causes widespread pain all over the body. It also often leads to fatigue (extreme tiredness), sleep problems, and trouble with thinking or memory. In children, it is sometimes called juvenile fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is not very common in children, but it is one of the most common causes of widespread pain in young people.

Fibromyalgia can affect children of any age but is most often diagnosed in the teenage years. It is more common in girls than in boys.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Widespread pain or aching all over the body
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Sleep problems, such as waking up feeling unrefreshed
• Trouble concentrating or remembering (sometimes called ‘fibro fog’)
• Headaches
• Stomach aches or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Symptoms in children

• Similar widespread pain that may come and go
• More frequent headaches or migraines
• Abdominal pain or feeling sick
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
• Mood changes including irritability, anxiety, or sadness
• Difficulty at school due to tiredness or concentration problems

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that can be more constant and severe
• Higher risk of depression and anxiety
• More trouble with sleep and fatigue
• Often have other conditions like arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood. It is believed to involve a problem with how the brain and nervous system process pain signals, making them stronger than they should be.
• It may be triggered by physical or emotional stress, an infection, an injury, or a major life event.

Risk factors

• Family history: having a parent or sibling with fibromyalgia raises the chance.
• Being female: girls are more often affected than boys.
• Having another chronic pain condition (like juvenile arthritis) or a mood disorder like anxiety.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has severe pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief
• If your child feels very low, talks about self-harm, or is unable to go to school for more than a few days
• If your child has new symptoms like a fever, rash, or joint swelling that doesn’t go away

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your child has ongoing pain, tiredness, or sleep problems that last for several weeks
• If you notice changes in your child’s mood, concentration, or school performance
• If your child complains of stomach aches or headaches without a clear cause

Diagnosis

There is no specific test for fibromyalgia. A doctor will diagnose it based on your child’s symptoms, a physical exam, and by ruling out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They may ask about pain patterns, sleep, mood, and how symptoms affect school and home life.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for other causes, like anemia (low iron), thyroid problems, or inflammatory conditions.
• Sometimes imaging (like X-rays) if the doctor suspects joint or bone problems.
• A referral to a specialist (like a rheumatologist or paediatrician) may be needed.

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosis can take time because symptoms overlap with other illnesses. The doctor will ask detailed questions and may use a symptom diary. A diagnosis is usually made when widespread pain has lasted for at least three months and other causes have been ruled out.

Treatment

Treatment for fibromyalgia in children focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. There is no cure, but many children get better with time and the right approach. Treatment often involves a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, physical therapists, and psychologists.

Self-care at home

• Establish a regular sleep routine: go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Pace activities: break tasks into small chunks and take rest breaks.
• Practice gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or stretching to keep muscles flexible.
• Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress.
• Keep a symptom diary to identify triggers.

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend pain management therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Some children may benefit from medications to improve sleep or reduce pain, but medicines are used carefully and only after discussing risks and benefits with a healthcare provider. Always ask your doctor before starting any treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat fibromyalgia.

Living with this condition

Living with fibromyalgia means learning to manage pain and fatigue while keeping up with school, friends, and activities. It’s important to balance rest and activity, listen to your body, and not push too hard. Many children find that symptoms improve as they get older.

Lifestyle tips

• Get regular, gentle exercise like walking, cycling, or swimming.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid extreme activities that might make pain worse.
• Plan enjoyable activities to boost mood.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet can help with energy and overall health. No special diet is proven to treat fibromyalgia, but some children feel better after reducing processed foods, sugar, or caffeine. Gentle exercise like stretching, yoga, or low-impact aerobic activity (like swimming) can improve pain and sleep. Start slowly and increase gradually.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic pain and fatigue can be stressful and frustrating. Children may feel anxious, sad, or isolated because they can’t always join peers. It’s important to talk about feelings and seek support from a school counsellor or therapist. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help children cope with pain and develop positive ways of thinking.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent fibromyalgia. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and getting enough sleep may help reduce the impact of symptoms if the condition develops.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for fibromyalgia in children.

Complications

If left untreated

• Ongoing pain and fatigue can make it hard to keep up with schoolwork and social activities.
• Increased risk of anxiety or depression.
• Sleep problems can get worse and affect overall health.
• Some children may become less active, leading to muscle weakness or deconditioning.

Long-term outlook

With the right care and support, most children with fibromyalgia improve over time. Symptoms often become less severe as they grow older. While there is no cure, many children lead full, active lives. The key is early diagnosis, good self-care, and a supportive team of healthcare professionals and family.

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