Skip to Content
Book an appointment
Book an appointment

What is fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain (CWP)?

Fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain affect the body’s pain-processing systems.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, heightened sensitivity to touch, and a range of accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”), and emotional distress. It is considered a nociplastic pain disorder, meaning the pain arises from abnormal processing within the central nervous system rather than tissue or nerve damage.

Chronic Widespread Pain (CWP) refers to persistent pain affecting multiple regions of the body for at least three months and is often used as a broader term encompassing fibromyalgia and related syndromes.

sitting on the bed late afternoon with one hand of the head in discomfort

What causes fibromyalgia and CWP?

When the brain and spinal cord become hypersensitive to pain, amplifying normal sensations into persistent, widespread discomfort.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain syndromes is unclear, but it’s linked to altered pain processing in the central nervous system. Both conditions involve central sensitisation, where the brain and spinal cord amplify pain signals, leading to ongoing discomfort and hypersensitivity.

Genetics, trauma, infections, and prolonged stress can heighten pain sensitivity and disrupt neurotransmitter balance. This results in chronic pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and cognitive difficulties — even without visible tissue injury or inflammation.

ketamine-as-a-psychedelic

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia & CWP

Conditions marked by diffuse pain, fatigue, and sensitivity that often resist conventional treatment.

Fibromyalgia and CWP affect multiple systems often leaving people feeling exhausted and struggling to cope. While symptoms vary across people, some common features include:

  • Widespread musculoskeletal pain affecting both sides of the body
  • Heightened sensitivity to pressure, touch, or temperature
  • Fatigue and poor sleep quality
  • Brain fog: difficulty with memory and concentration
  • Muscle stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Mood disturbances such as anxiety or depression
  • Irritable bowel or bladder symptoms in some cases
lady holding her neck and smiling

How can we help

Fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain are complex conditions, but we provide therapies that directly target abnormal nerve signalling.

Standard pain medications rarely provide lasting relief. Our advanced therapies target the nervous system and support recovery when conventional treatments have failed.

Ketamine therapy

Ketamine therapy can help “reset” overactive pain pathways in fibromyalgia, helping to reduce pain intensity, improve mood, and restore function.

Ketamine therapy
Men doing yoga in nature

Stellate Ganglion Block

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) may be considered in patients with significant sympathetic overactivity, where stress and pain responses are closely linked, such as in PTSD and CRPS.

Stellate ganglion block
A woman reclining in a chair with eyes closed

Our unique approach

We know fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain affect not just the body, but every aspect of life.

Our dual expertise in psychiatry and pain medicine allows us to provide a holistic, evidence-based approach to treating conditions like fibromyalgia.

What to expect

Individualised treatment plans integrating advanced therapies and allied health support

1.
consultation with a man on a couch in discussion with medical support

Collaboration with GPs, rheumatologists, and psychologists to ensure continuity of care

2.
A doctor smiling at a patient

Outcome measures to track pain, function, and mood improvements

3.
exercise and movement outdoors in later afternoon

A focus on restoring energy, clarity, and quality of life — not just managing pain

4.
woman looking calmly out the window on a warm afternoon

Why choose Anodyne?

Living with fibromyalgia or chronic widespread pain can feel overwhelming.

At Anodyne, we listen carefully, provide compassionate support, and deliver treatments in safe, supportive clinics. Our team is experienced in managing complex, treatment-resistant pain conditions and committed to helping you move forward.

About Anodyne
happy woman with her dog

Want to know more?

Take the next step

If you’re living with fibromyalgia or chronic widespread pain and standard treatments haven’t worked, advanced therapies may help. Book an appointment or make an enquiry to explore options with Anodyne.

Book an appointment
Make an enquiry
Book an appointmentMake an enquiry