Fibromyalgia
If your physical examination is normal, but you have pain all over your body, it could be fibromyalgia.
"It's not a fake illness." - It is a real disease.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition in which the brain amplifies and perceives pain signals. It involves widespread pain lasting for more than 3 months, along with fatigue that doesn't improve with sleep, and impaired concentration (brain fog).
- Patients often visit multiple hospitals and repeatedly hear the same phrase: "There's nothing wrong," despite normal blood tests and X-rays.
- Diagnosis and treatment are typically handled in rheumatology departments. In fact, normal test results can be a clue to the diagnosis.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
The treatment is not just pain medication.
General pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are often ineffective.
- Medications that act on pain nerves (such as pregabalin and duloxetine) may be used.
- The most evidence-based treatment is very gentle aerobic exercise (walking, swimming), gradually increasing the intensity from a low level. If you avoid all movement due to pain, it will worsen.
- Treatment also includes improving sleep quality and managing stress.
- This is a condition with good days and bad days, so self-blame on bad days should be avoided.
Frequently asked questions
Does fibromyalgia last a lifetime?
It often has a chronic course, but many people are able to significantly reduce pain levels and regain their daily lives through exercise, medication, and sleep management. It is not a disease that causes joint deformation or threatens life.
My family says it's just a minor illness.
Fibromyalgia is a real condition with international diagnostic criteria. Obtain a diagnosis and explain the illness to your family. Also, try talking to others who have had similar experiences in online communities. Being understood itself can be part of the healing process.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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