Fibromyalgia treatment available online today

In order to treat your fibromyalgia, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to get a treatment plan that will help your muscle and joint pain. Get a new prescription to treat fibromyalgia or refill an existing prescription today.*

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Prescription medications to target Fibromyalgia pain

Customized Fibromyalgia pain management plans

Telehealth relief for Fibromyalgia symptoms

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of fibromyalgia. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Learn about fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes muscle and joint pain without a known cause. Fibromyalgia occurs in 2% to 8% of the United States population, is more common among women, and appears between the ages of 20 to 55. In addition to widespread pain, people experience extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and mood disturbances.

Fibromyalgia causes

Fibromyalgia does not have a definitive cause, though it is associated with genetics, physical trauma, emotional trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, recurrent migraines, jaw pain, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and bladder pain.

  • Emotional trauma

    Emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder, is thought to trigger fibromyalgia symptoms. Similar to other chronic illnesses, depression and anxiety are also linked to fibromyalgia. Other physical stressors such as infection or injury are thought to cause fibromyalgia. Some experts believe viral infections or Lyme disease may trigger fibromyalgia symptoms.

  • Genetics 

    The most accepted theory is that there is a genetic component to fibromyalgia. Healthcare professionals may ask about a family history of fibromyalgia. Close relatives like parents or siblings with fibromyalgia help doctors determine risk factors. People who develop fibromyalgia may also have conditions that portray a heightened perception of pain called, "central sensitization."

    Genetics, especially related to pain perception, is linked to fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia tend to have a greater perception of pain. They often feel like joints are swollen, but there are no physical signs of damage. Genetics also play a role in that you are more likely to have fibromyalgia if a family member is diagnosed. People with a parent or sibling with fibromyalgia have a higher chance of developing it themselves.

  • Sleep problems

    Fibromyalgia is associated with sleep disorders such as perpetual light sleep, feeling unrefreshed after sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and chronic fatigue. Persistent fatigue accounts for 90% of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The link between fatigue and fibromyalgia is unclear but seems to be closely related.

Fibromyalgia symptoms

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic, persistent, widespread pain that is felt among muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Although people feel like they have joint swelling, there are no physical signs of joint inflammation upon examination. People with fibromyalgia experience pain signals differently. Pain is typically described as deep muscle pain, soreness, stiffness, burning, crawling, or tingling sensations. Patients with fibromyalgia often describe symptoms as having flu-like aches and pains.

    • Digestive problems

    • Muscle tension

    • Painful sensations

    • Poor sleep habits

    • Pain and fatigue

    • Musculoskeletal and skin diseases

    • Chronic pain

    There appears to be a close relationship between fibromyalgia and sleep problems. Chronic fatigue syndrome is linked to fibromyalgia and is characterized by debilitating fatigue. Your healthcare provider might prescribe a formal sleep test if you have persistent fatigue.

How to treat fibromyalgia

Treatment of fibromyalgia is focused on improving quality of life and managing fibromyalgia pain. The best treatment will look different for each person. Pain relief is often the main goal of treatment and it may take some adjusting to find the right lifestyle to reduce symptoms. Treating fibromyalgia is all about learning how to manage fibromyalgia symptoms.

Light physical activity has been shown to improve chronic pain. People with fibromyalgia can participate in low-impact exercise regularly. Low impact exercise includes walking, riding a bike, or swimming. A physical therapist can help manage muscle pain through stretching and appointed exercises. Massage therapy can also be done to alleviate pain.

Stress management techniques are used to reduce muscle tension flare-ups, improve sleep, and reduce pain. Exercise and coping techniques are also used to reduce pain. An interdisciplinary approach is used to treat fibromyalgia patients. You may have a primary care physician, physical therapist, mental health expert, and other experts on your treatment team. Medical treatment is more focused on prescription medications.

There are no specific blood tests, or imaging exams used to diagnose fibromyalgia. Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, particularly focusing on your pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Some alternative therapies are available to treat pain. Examples of alternative treatments include:

  • Massage therapy

  • Physical therapy

  • Deep breathing exercises or meditation

  • Counseling

  • Tai Chi

  • Yoga

  • Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia medication

Unfortunately, there are no quick cures for chronic illnesses. Treatment options for fibromyalgia include prescription medications to relieve pain. Your doctor will prescribe medications to treat your symptoms to reduce pain and fatigue. Typically, medications are started at a low dose and titrated to higher doses as needed to minimize symptoms. Pain relievers and muscle relaxants minimize symptoms of fibromyalgia. Since fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin) and steroids (glucocorticoids) are not effective.

How to prevent fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia cannot be prevented, but lifestyle and medication can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

When to see a doctor for fibromyalgia

Make an appointment to see a doctor if you have fatigue or sleep disturbances, headaches, bowel irritability, and widespread tenderness without swelling that has been present for 3 months or more.

Fibromyalgia treatment FAQs

  • What is the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia?

    Having a multidisciplinary approach with a variety of healthcare team members is the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia. Each person's treatment plan is different for fibromyalgia.

  • What is the best medication for fibromyalgia?

    Medications to treat pain, fatigue, and mood disturbances are the best medications for fibromyalgia.

  • What are usually the first signs of fibromyalgia?

    Extreme fatigue, headache, and shoulder/neck pain are the first signs of fibromyalgia.

  • How does a person get fibromyalgia?

    People with fibromyalgia have a genetic component that makes them more susceptible to fibromyalgia.

  • What triggers fibromyalgia?

    Viral illnesses, emotional stress, and physical stress can trigger fibromyalgia.

  • Does fibromyalgia ever go away?

    For some, symptoms may improve over time, but for most people, fibromyalgia cannot be cured.

Related conditions to fibromyalgia

    • Rheumatoid arthritis

      • Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness that causes inflammation of joints, resulting in pain and swelling. RA can cause deformity to the joints. The difference between RA and fibromyalgia is that a fibromyalgia diagnosis does not confirm swelling of the joints nor does it cause joint deformity. Because of their similarities in symptoms, a rheumatologist may be consulted to perform a medical exam.

    • Irritable bowel syndrome

      • Irritable bowel syndrome is linked to fibromyalgia due to the connection with central sensitization. IBS includes frequent abdominal pain with episodes of diarrhea, constipation, or both.

    • Chronic fatigue syndrome

      • Chronic fatigue syndrome is a sleep disorder defined by debilitating and persistent fatigue. Persistent fatigue occurs in more than 90% of people with fibromyalgia.

3 simple steps to request treatment for fibromyalgia today

Step 1

Book a fibromyalgia treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat fibromyalgia.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Fibromyalgia pricing details

How pricing works

To request fibromyalgia treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information

  • Center of Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Fibromyalgia. Accessed on May 13, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.