Fibromyalgia is often misunderstood. It is not, in most cases, an inflammatory disease or simple muscle-wear and tear issue. Instead, it’s a complex disorder characterised by widespread pain, sensitivity and a range of secondary symptoms. According to PTSD UK, one of the emerging lines of research is the link between traumatic experience and the onset—or worsening—of fibromyalgia. PTSD UK

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is defined by:

• Chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain; PTSD UK+1
• Heightened sensitivity to pain (for example, a minor stimulus may feel intensely painful); PTSD UK
• Muscle stiffness; PTSD UK
• Sleep disturbances and resultant fatigue; PTSD UK
• Cognitive problems (often called “fibro-fog”)—trouble concentrating or remembering clearly; PTSD UK
• Headaches, and often co-occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); PTSD UK
• Emotional/mental health impact (frustration, low mood, anxiety) because of the chronicity and unpredictability of the condition. PTSD UK

Importantly, fibromyalgia is not primarily a joint disease, muscle damage disease or overt auto-immune disease. Rather it is increasingly seen as a disorder of how the nervous system processes pain signals. PTSD UK

How Trauma Comes Into the Picture

Research highlighted by PTSD UK shows that trauma—whether emotional or physical—may play a significant role in the development or worsening of fibromyalgia. For example:

• Studies show that between 20% and 80% of those with a trauma history report chronic pain. PTSD UK
• Around 10% to 50% of individuals with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) also report living with chronic pain. PTSD UK
• A 2018 review of 51 studies found an association between onset of fibromyalgia and previous trauma; emotional trauma appeared more frequent than physical trauma in many of those studies. PTSD UK
• Trauma can sensitise the nervous system. When someone is traumatised, the body’s “fight or flight” responses (and release of stress hormones such as cortisol) may become over-active, which in turn may influence how pain is perceived and processed. PTSD UK

So in simple terms: trauma may change the way the nervous system handles pain — making someone more vulnerable or susceptible to disorders like fibromyalgia.

Childhood Trauma & Fibromyalgia

The childhood experience of trauma is especially significant. PTSD UK report:

• A 2020 population-based study found that childhood mistreatment was associated with a significantly higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. PTSD UK
• A 2022 study found that in a sample of people with fibromyalgia, 88.2% reported childhood trauma. PTSD UK
• The idea is that early life stress can affect the development of the body’s stress-response systems, making someone more vulnerable later on to pain disorders, mental health issues, or both. PTSD UK

Mental Health, Trauma & Fibromyalgia — The Triple Interaction

It becomes clear that fibromyalgia doesn’t exist in isolation. There is a triangle interaction between: trauma → alterations in nervous system / pain processing → fibromyalgia symptoms, and then chronic pain itself feeds back to mental health. Points to note:

• Among people diagnosed with fibromyalgia, about 25% have depression at the time of diagnosis. PTSD UK
• And a lifetime occurrence of anxiety disorders in fibromyalgia patients is around 60%. PTSD UK
• Emotional responses (such as anger, guilt, sadness) may also be intensified in people with fibromyalgia, possibly because their nervous systems are more sensitised. PTSD UK

So the take-away is: trauma doesn’t just cause fibromyalgia in a simple linear way, but rather may increase vulnerability and maintain/ worsen the condition via pain processing, nervous system changes and mental-health mechanisms.

What This Means for Management & Hope

The good news is that recognising the trauma-link offers new avenues for hope and holistic care. According to PTSD UK:

• There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for fibromyalgia especially when trauma is involved. PTSD UK
• A multidisciplinary approach is key: combining lifestyle changes, therapeutic interventions and, where needed, medication. PTSD UK
• Lifestyle adjustments may include moderate exercise (which can help reduce pain and improve general wellbeing) and relaxation or mindfulness techniques. PTSD UK
• Talking therapies are emphasised: for example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can address the emotional/psychological dimension of living with chronic pain and trauma. PTSD UK
• Psychodynamic therapy can help with both fibromyalgia and trauma, with some studies showing it is as effective as standard treatments for reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. It can be particularly beneficial by helping individuals understand how past experiences and unconscious emotions, especially those related to trauma, may be contributing to their physical pain and distress. Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Medication may be part of the plan (for example antidepressants) in certain cases. PTSD UK
• Importantly: recognising and addressing past trauma (including childhood trauma) is part of moving forward. By acknowledging how the body and brain may have been affected, people and their care-teams can build more comprehensive plans.

Why This Matters for You Or Someone You Know

If you are reading this because you or someone you know has fibromyalgia (or undiagnosed chronic pain) and perhaps a history of trauma, here are some reflections:

• Know that you are not alone—many people with fibromyalgia have had traumatic experiences.
• Realise that the pain and sensitivity you’re experiencing may have deeper links (biological, psychological) and is genuine—even if tests for tissue damage are negative.
• Consider sharing the trauma history with your health-caring team. Some professionals may not routinely ask about trauma, but it can be relevant and helpful in shaping care.
• Explore lifestyle adjustments (gentle exercise, pacing activity, relaxation, sleep hygiene) and psychological support (CBT/ACT or trauma-informed therapy) rather than relying solely on pain-medication.
• Consider that improving mental wellbeing (reducing anxiety or depression, trauma symptoms) can have positive knock-on effects for pain and physical symptoms.
• Be gentle on yourself: living with fibromyalgia (especially with a trauma background) is a complex journey — progress may be slow, but knowledge is power.

The association between trauma and fibromyalgia is an intriguing and increasingly well-supported one. While trauma doesn’t explain all cases of fibromyalgia, evidence points to it being a significant piece of the puzzle. As the article from PTSD UK notes:

“Trauma emerges as a piece that warrants attention… Understanding this connection can help healthcare providers better support individuals living with fibromyalgia and guide future research…” PTSD UK

By recognising the interplay of body, brain, nervous system and experiences of trauma, we can open up more meaningful, holistic routes of care and self-management. If you or someone you care for is navigating pain, trauma and fibromyalgia — reaching out to specialists in chronic pain, trauma-informed therapy, and exploring tailored lifestyle plans can make a tangible difference.

Here at Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, our counsellors are trained and qualified to work with chronic pain, trauma and complex trauma so get in touch if you are struggling. We’re here to help.