Fibromyalgia
Each and every one of us is familiar with the experience of pain. Typically this experience is specific to one area of the body, and disappears once tissue damage repairs. However for some people pain is more widespread and does not resolve with time or treatment. People suffering from this type of pain may be experiencing a pain condition called fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia involves widespread pain and increased pain sensitivity in certain areas of the body. Stiffness in the morning and fatigue are also common symptoms. Although fibromyalgia can cause considerable change to the way you lead your life, you can do a lot for yourself to make living with fibromyalgia easier.
Key Points:
- The experience of fibromyalgia can be hard to understand and difficult to accept – learn about fibromyalgia to help you make sense of how you feel
- Stress can aggravate pain – learn to relax both physically and emotionally
- Stay physically active – this is an important part of pain management
- Learn tips for promoting restful sleep
- Spend time with people who can support you and help you deal with the emotional impact of your pain condition
Form a good partnership with your doctor – the management of your fibromyalgia is a team effort

Overview
In this section you will find some useful webpages and information sheets to help you understand what fibromyalgia is and how you can manage it.
| What is Arthritis? | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Arthritis Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| What is Fibromyalgia? | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Fibromyalgia Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| What is Fibromyalgia? | Arthritis NZ | 2 Pages | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
In this section you will find a helpful risk factor/symptom checklist to help you recognise the signs of arthritis, as well as personal stories of the search for a diagnosis for long-term pain.
| Arthritis Self-Assessment | Arthritis NZ | ||
| What is Chronic Pain - Search for a Cause & Diagnosis | Health Talk online | ||
| Videos/audios | |||
What can I do? - Self help measures
The webpages and information sheets in this section will provide you with some useful tips to help you live well with fibromyalgia.
| Dealing with Pain Information Sheet | Arthritis Victoria | 2 Pages | |
| The Pain Toolkit | NZ Pain Society | 10 Pages | |
| Working with Your Healthcare Team Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| 10 Steps for Living Well with Arthritis: A Practical Guide | ![]() | 20 Pages | |
| Exercise & Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Ease Your Arthritis with Physical Activity | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| Exercise & Fibromyalgia Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| Managing Fatigue & Conserving Energy Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| Diet & Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Healthy Eating & Arthritis Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| Arthritis & Emotions Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
Treatments & Medication
In this section you will find information about common treatments for arthritis and/or fibromyalgia.
| Medication for Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Medicines & Arthritis Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| Exercise & Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Diet & Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Arthritis, Bones & Joints Reviews | Bandolier | ||
| Physiotherapy & Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Alternative Treatments for Arthritis | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Complementary Therapies Information Sheet | ![]() | 2 Pages | |
| Cochrane Reviews of Arthritis Treatments | Arthritis Victoria | ||
Clinical Resources
Resources for improving clinical practice including clinical guidelines and educational tools.
| Pain Treatment Guidelines & Reports | Pain Treatment Topics - US | ||
| CME: Treating Fibromyalgia Pain | Pain Treatment Topics - US | ||
| Detailed | |||
| ClimateGP: Online Arthritis Treatment | The University of New South Wales, Australia | ||
| Clinician prescribed treatment programme | |||
| What is a Rheumatologist? Referral Brochure | Australian Rheumatology Association | 2 Pages | |
Support
Support is a vital part of self-management. Here you will find personal stories form people with fibromyalgia, information about NZ arthritis support services, a national arthritis newsletter, and tips for caring for someone with arthritis.
| Support Services | Arthritis NZ | ||
| The Juice Arthritis Newsletter | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Living with Chronic Pain - Importance of Support Groups | Health Talk online | ||
| Videos/audios | |||
| Fibromyalgia Personal Stories | Health Talk online | ||
| Videos/audios | |||
| Caring for a Person with Arthritis | Arthritis Research Campaign UK | ||
Want to Learn More?
Want more information about arthritis and fibromyalgia? Here you will find information in other lanaguages and links to arthritis websites.
| Links - Arthritis-Related Websites | Arthritis NZ | ||
| Arthritis Multicultural Fact Sheets | ![]() | ||
| Multiple Languages | |||
| MedlinePlus: Fibromyalgia | ![]() | ||









