Non-Specific Muscle Pain and Fibromyalgia

Understanding muscle pain and why definitions matter

Muscle pain is common, and many people experience aching, stiffness, or tenderness at some point. Sometimes pain links to exercise, posture, workload, stress, illness, or sleep disruption — this is often called non-specific muscle pain. In other situations, ongoing, widespread pain with additional features may suggest fibromyalgia, a recognised long-term pain condition. Understanding the difference supports clearer expectations, safer assessment, and more helpful care.

What non-specific muscle pain usually feels like

Non-specific muscle pain often relates to everyday demands or a temporary trigger. It may follow exercise, lifting, prolonged sitting, poor sleep, dehydration, stress, or illness. Pain is usually localised rather than affecting the whole body and often improves gradually with time, movement, pacing activity, and general wellbeing support.

What fibromyalgia tends to feel like

Fibromyalgia is different. It usually involves widespread pain affecting many parts of the body, often with fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, sensitivity to pressure, headaches, memory “fog,” and sometimes gut or mood symptoms. Pain can feel persistent, unpredictable, and draining. Scans or standard blood tests do not diagnose fibromyalgia because it relates to how the nervous system processes pain rather than tissue damage. Even though it does not damage muscles or joints, it can strongly affect daily life — and support matters.

Myths vs Reality — Setting the record straight

“Fibromyalgia is not real.”
False — it is a recognised medical condition with clear diagnostic criteria.

“Normal tests mean nothing is wrong.”
False — normal tests help rule out other causes. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed clinically.

“Pain is only in your head.”
False — pain is experienced in the body and nervous system. Emotional health interacts with pain, but does not invalidate it.

“Nothing can help.”
Untrue — many people improve with a combination of movement therapy, education, sleep care, psychological support, and tailored management.

When muscle pain needs medical review

See your GP if muscle pain persists for weeks, keeps returning, affects sleep or daily function, occurs with fever, weakness, swelling, or weight loss, or appears with new unexplained symptoms. Review is especially important if you have autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, metabolic conditions, or take medicines that may affect muscle health.

How your GP helps clarify the difference

Your GP listens to your story, examines you, and may arrange tests to rule out thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency, inflammatory illness, infection, or medication-related causes. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on patterns, not a single test. Care is realistic, supportive, and person-centred.

Mental health, sleep, and whole-person care

Long-term pain affects mood, confidence, relationships, and identity. Anxiety, stress, and depression may appear alongside pain — they do not cause it, but they do influence how pain is experienced. Sleep is also critical: poor or unrefreshing sleep lowers pain tolerance and worsens fatigue. Caring for mental wellbeing and sleep is part of physical treatment, not separate from it. Your GP may recommend sleep strategies, psychological support, relaxation approaches, pain management programs, and multidisciplinary care to support both mind and body.

Living well with persistent muscle pain or fibromyalgia

Movement therapy, physiotherapy, gentle strengthening, pacing, graded activity, sleep support, and stress management often help. Some medicines play a role for certain people, but they are only one part of care. Supportive healthcare relationships, education, and realistic pacing help people feel safer and more in control.

A reassuring message

Most non-specific muscle pain settles with sensible care. If pain is persistent, widespread, or affecting daily life, you deserve calm assessment and ongoing support. Your symptoms are real — and help exists.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.