Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the nervous system, causing widespread pain throughout the body. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, it does not involve the immune system or cause inflammation in the joints.
With fibromyalgia, the brain misinterprets signals from the nervous system — sometimes processing signals that Show Full Answer
Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the nervous system, causing widespread pain throughout the body. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, it does not involve the immune system or cause inflammation in the joints.
With fibromyalgia, the brain misinterprets signals from the nervous system — sometimes processing signals that aren't even painful as very painful. This is why people with fibromyalgia can experience significant pain even without an obvious cause.
Common symptoms include:
- Widespread body pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive issues, often called "brain fog"
The connection to RA is worth knowing about. About 20% of people with RA also develop fibromyalgia, compared to only about 5% of the general population. This makes it a relevant comorbidity to be aware of. One tricky part is that fibromyalgia and RA share some overlapping symptoms, which can make it hard to tell them apart. A myRAteam member described it well: "I can't tell if it's the fibromyalgia or the RA because they mimic each other."
If you're experiencing pain that doesn't seem explained by your RA alone, it's worth bringing up with your rheumatologist.
May 24
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