When To Call a Doctor

If not diagnosed

Call your doctor if you have had the following symptoms for more than 6 weeks without an obvious cause. They may be signs of fibromyalgia, especially if they have developed gradually.

• Widespread muscle tenderness and pain, particularly on both sides of the body and both above and below the waist
• Disturbed sleep (tossing, turning, waking up frequently during the night) and waking up feeling tired and unrested
• Muscle and joint stiffness that doesn't get better when you move around

If diagnosed

If you have fibromyalgia, call your doctor if you have:

• Symptoms of depression, such as a loss of interest in things you usually enjoy or changes in eating and sleeping habits. These can often be treated if you tell your doctor about them.
• New symptoms or existing symptoms get worse. Your doctor may need to reassess your treatment, such as adjust your medicines or prescribe different ones.

Who to see

Health professionals who may be able to help you with fibromyalgia include:

• Family medicine physicians.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

You may need to see a specialist who has experience with fibromyalgia. These include:

• Rheumatologists, who have the most experience with diagnosing fibromyalgia.
• Pain management specialists, who have experience with treatment.

Pain management programs can be helpful too. These typically include a team of doctors, counselors, physical therapists, nurses, and pharmacists who can help you develop a strategy for pain management. Your personal program may include medicines, complementary therapies, diet, exercise, and counseling.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.