Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-term) condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, cognitive issues (often referred to as "fibro fog"), and often mood disturbances.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Widespread Pain: This is the hallmark symptom, often described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months and occurs on both sides of the body, above and below the waist. The pain can vary in intensity and may feel like aching, burning, soreness, stiffness, or tenderness.
• Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia often experience debilitating fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. This can range from mild tiredness to exhaustion similar to that felt during the flu.
• Sleep Problems: Many individuals with fibromyalgia have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep and often wake up feeling unrefreshed (non-restorative sleep).
• Cognitive Difficulties ("Fibro Fog"): This can involve problems with memory, concentration, and focus. People may describe feeling mentally "foggy" or having difficulty with everyday mental tasks.
• Other Common Symptoms: Besides the main symptoms, fibromyalgia can also involve:
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning.
  • Increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia) and pain from stimuli that are not normally painful (allodynia).
  • Headaches.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Anxiety and depression.
  • Restless legs syndrome.
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
  • Sensitivity to things like light, noise, temperature, and certain foods.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers suggest that people with fibromyalgia may have an increased sensitivity to pain due to changes in how their brain and spinal cord process pain signals. Possible triggers for fibromyalgia symptoms include

• Physical or emotional trauma: such as accidents, injuries, or significant stress.
• Infections: some illnesses may trigger or worsen fibromyalgia. 
• Genetics: it may be more common in people with a family history of the condition.  
• Other conditions: people with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging as there's no specific lab test to confirm it. Diagnosis is typically based on a person's medical history, a physical examination to check for widespread pain and tenderness, and the presence of other characteristic symptoms

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, various treatments, including medications, exercise, lifestyle changes, and therapies like physiotherapy and psychological support, can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.