Top Five Most Common Myths about Fibromyalgia

1. Misconception: Fibromyalgia is just “in your head” or not real.
Truth: Fibromyalgia is a real, chronic medical condition that affects the central nervous system. It’s characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that are definitely not imagined. It’s scientifically recognized and impacts both physical and emotional well-being. Science backs us up on this one, folks.

I can sometimes understand why people might not get it—if I’m having a good day and I’m active, I probably look like your average Midwestern mom. I mean, maybe I should just get an “F” tatted on my forehead? I’ve thought about it. The number of doctors who’ve been dismissive of my very real condition is almost as high as the number of people who are shocked when they hear about my bipolar diagnosis. Clearly, they haven’t seen the rapid mood swings or heard me say, “But you’re sad?” to which I’ll reply, “Yes, amazingly, I can be both sad and manic at the same time, and trust me, it’s a million times worse.”

But I digress. Let’s keep up here—it’s 2025, and fibromyalgia has been a diagnosable illness since 1976. Before that, it was known as fibrositis in 1904, and even earlier, it was referred to as rheumatism. I mention this because, although no one knows exactly what causes it, I’ve been diving into my genealogy—yes, I’m a bit of a nerd—and checking birth and death records to compare what I know versus what I think I know. In the process, I’ve noticed that at least six of my direct ancestors had some form of fibro or rheumatism.

Do I think fibromyalgia will kill me? No—honestly, I have more pressing health concerns to worry about—but it’s been around for a long time. If you come across a medical professional who doesn’t think fibro is real, get a second opinion.
And just to clarify: I’m talking about someone who doesn’t believe fibro even exists—not someone who doubts it’s what you’re suffering from. I’ll say it again: a second opinion never hurts… though, in my case, I had my doctor of 7 years drop me for getting one. So stay informed, don’t get discouraged, and keep pushing until you get the answers you deserve.

2. Misconception: Fibromyalgia is the same for everyone.

Truth : Fibromyalgia is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. Sure, we’ve all got the greatest hits – pain that feels like we’ve gone ten rounds with a heavyweight champ and fatigue that makes sloths look energetic. But beyond that? It’s a grab bag of fun surprises.
Some of us are walking zombies thanks to sleep issues, while others are living in a fog so thick you’d think we’re extras in a horror movie. And don’t even get me started on the triggers. What sets off my fibro might not even tickle yours.
This is why docs often treat fibro like the ‘rule it out’ illness. They run every test under the sun, and when everything comes back squeaky clean, they throw up their hands and say, “Must be fibro!” I wonder how many times that phrase was said by a doctor to a person who died from something that should have been caught.
Wouldn’t it be peachy if we could all agree on what fibro looks like? Maybe then we’d have a magic pill or a cure. Hell, I’d settle for a flashing neon sign that says, “Fibro flare incoming!” But nope, that’s not how this beast rolls.

3. Misconception: People with fibromyalgia are just “lazy.”

Truth: People with fibromyalgia often experience extreme fatigue that is not relieved by rest. This can make daily activities feel overwhelming and exhausting, but it’s not a matter of laziness—it’s a physical condition that affects the body’s ability to generate energy and recover.
Picture this: you’ve just “slept” for 10 hours, but you feel like you’ve been awake for days, You drag yourself out of bed, feeling like you’re moving through molasses, and even the simple act of making a cup of coffee feels like you’re scaling Mount Everest. That’s fibro fatigue, folks.

This isn’t about being lazy or needing an extra cup of coffee. It’s your body throwing a full-on rebellion, refusing to generate the energy you need to function like a normal person. And let me tell you, it’s beyond frustrating.

The kicker? This fatigue doesn’t play fair. It doesn’t care if you’ve rested, slept for 12 hours, or spent the day binge-watching your favorite show. It’s always lurking, ready to sucker-punch you when you least expect it. And no matter how mad I get at myself, once I’m in a funk its necessities only and they tend to relate to immediate family, so the things I don’t get done pile up until they become daunting to the point that I don’t know where to start so I just DON’T start. Executive dysfunction at its best folks.

So next time you see someone with fibro canceling plans or looking like they’ve been hit by a truck, remember: we’re not being flaky or dramatic. We’re just trying to navigate life with a body that’s forgotten how to recharge its batteries. It’s not laziness—it’s our reality, and we’re doing our best to push through it every single day.

4. Misconception: Fibromyalgia only affects older people.
Fibromyalgia is also not limited to adulthood—children and adolescents can be diagnosed with it, though this is relatively rare. According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia in children and teens often presents differently than it does in adults, with symptoms like widespread pain, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating (often referred to as “fibro fog”). The challenges with diagnosing fibro in younger individuals are compounded by the fact that many of these symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, making it harder to pinpoint fibromyalgia as the cause.

In younger patients, symptoms may be mistaken for growing pains or other childhood illnesses, which can delay a correct diagnosis. The National Fibromyalgia Association states that fibromyalgia in children may be underdiagnosed, partly because doctors may attribute symptoms like tiredness or pain to more common, non-chronic conditions. Additionally, children may struggle to articulate how they’re feeling, which can make diagnosis even more difficult.

Fibromyalgia can occur at any stage of life, and its symptoms vary widely. While some people may have mild discomfort, others experience debilitating pain and fatigue that severely impacts their daily lives. As the condition often fluctuates in severity, it can be hard to predict its long-term course.

It’s important to note that the cause of fibromyalgia is still not fully understood, though genetics, infections, physical trauma, and emotional stress are thought to contribute to its development.

5. Misconception: There’s no treatment for fibromyalgia.

You’ve probably heard there’s no treatment for this beast, right? Well, hold onto your hats, because that’s about as true as saying chocolate isn’t a food group.
Sure, we don’t have a magic wand to make fibro disappear (believe me, I’ve looked). But we’ve got a whole arsenal of tricks to keep this monster at bay. It’s like playing whack-a-mole with your symptoms, but hey, at least we’re not sitting ducks!
First up, we’ve got meds. From your garden variety pain killers to fancy-pants antidepressants and anti-seizure meds, there’s a buffet of options. These bad boys can help tame the pain and maybe even let you catch some Z’s without feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.
Then there’s physical therapy and exercise. I know, I know, the thought of moving when everything hurts is about as appealing as a root canal. But trust me, a little moderate exercise can work wonders. It’s like giving your body a tune-up.

And let’s not forget about the mind game. Cognitive-behavioral therapy isn’t just for when you’re feeling blue. It’s like a personal trainer for your brain, helping you outsmart the pain and stress.
Now, for the lifestyle changes. Getting enough rest, eating right, and practicing good sleep hygiene might sound like advice your grandma would give, but don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. It’s amazing what a difference these can make.
For those feeling a bit adventurous, there’s always acupuncture and massage. It’s like a spa day, but with actual health benefits. Who knew getting poked with needles could feel so good?
The key here, my fellow fibro warriors, is to mix and match. It’s like creating your own personal fibro-fighting cocktail. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. We’re all unique snowflakes in this blizzard of pain.So don’t let anyone tell you there’s no hope. We might not have a cure (yet), but we’ve got options. And in this fibro fight, options are our secret weapon. Now, go forth and conquer my friends, Until next time take care of yourselves, and each other.