Patient information:

Symptoms include aches, pains, fatigue, morning stiffness and sleep problems.
The diagnosis is made on the history of the pain and accompanying symptoms as well as the presence of tender (trigger) points at specific sites on the body. There are a number of different theories and reasons for this condition. There will often be blood tests and maybe x-rays to exclude other diagnoses. Treatment involves education, cognitive behavioural therapy, a graduated exercise programme, pain killers, rest and sometimes antidepressant medication.