Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. It often feels like your body is in a constant state of stress or inflammation—even when there’s no clear injury or illness.
From a functional medicine perspective, fibromyalgia is not “just in your head.” It’s a complex, real, and multifactorial condition that requires a personalized approach to healing.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
- Widespread muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
- Brain fog (“fibro fog”)
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive issues (like IBS)
- Headaches or migraines
- Sensitivity to touch, noise, light, or temperature
- Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
Symptoms can vary in intensity and often come in “flares” triggered by stress, poor sleep, diet, weather changes, or overexertion.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
While the exact cause is still being researched, functional medicine looks at fibromyalgia as a syndrome—a set of symptoms that result from multiple imbalances in the body, such as:
- Nervous System Dysregulation
Fibromyalgia is closely tied to an overactive stress response and heightened pain sensitivity in the brain and spinal cord—known as central sensitization.
- Chronic Inflammation
Low-grade inflammation in the muscles, nerves, and brain can contribute to ongoing pain and fatigue.
- Sleep Disturbances
Poor-quality sleep disrupts healing, hormonal balance, and nervous system recovery.
- Gut Imbalances
Many people with fibromyalgia also have leaky gut, IBS, or dysbiosis—factors that can drive systemic inflammation and nutrient deficiencies.
- Hormonal Imbalances
Imbalances in cortisol, thyroid hormones, or sex hormones can make symptoms worse or harder to manage.
- Toxic Burden
Heavy metals, mold, or environmental toxins may overwhelm the body’s detox systems and contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.
How Functional Medicine Can Help
Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, functional medicine focuses on restoring balance to the body as a whole.
Your care plan may include:
- Comprehensive lab testing to uncover hidden root causes
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition to support energy and reduce pain
- Gut healing protocols to support immune health
- Mitochondrial + nutrient support (like magnesium, CoQ10, B vitamins)
- Stress and nervous system regulation using mind-body practices
- Sleep optimization to enhance healing and reduce symptom flares
