Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Do Placebos Work Better Than Some Fibro Treatments? The Surprising Truth About Belief and Pain Relief

Fibromyalgia is one of medicine’s greatest challenges. It causes widespread pain, exhaustion, poor sleep, and cognitive issues (“fibro fog”). Despite affecting millions worldwide, treatment remains frustratingly hit-or-miss. The three FDA-approved medications—duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin—help some patients but leave many still struggling. This reality has sparked an uncomfortable question: do placebos sometimes work better than fibromyalgia treatments? Surprisingly, research suggests the answer may be yes. Placebos—pills, injections, or treatments with no active medication—often outperform weak medications in fibro trials. But rather than…

by chronicillness•09/27/202509/27/2025•0

Why Night Owls Respond Differently to Fibromyalgia Therapy: The Hidden Role of Chronotypes

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disruption, and cognitive fog. For decades, doctors have focused on medications, pacing, and therapy—but one overlooked factor may explain why treatments work for some fibro warriors and not for others: chronotype. Your chronotype is your natural biological preference for being a night owl (late sleeper), an early bird (early riser), or somewhere in between. Research shows that fibro patients who are night owls often experience worse symptoms and respond differently to therapy than early birds. Understanding this…

by chronicillness•09/27/202509/27/2025•0

How Music Therapy Is Changing Lives With Fibromyalgia: Healing Through Sound

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, bringing widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and “fibro fog.” With limited medical options and only a few approved medications, many patients turn to complementary therapies. Among these, music therapy is emerging as one of the most powerful—and surprising—tools for fibro warriors. Music has been used for healing since ancient times, but today science is beginning to confirm what many patients already know: music therapy can change lives with fibromyalgia. From reducing pain intensity to improving…

by chronicillness•09/27/202509/27/2025•0

The One Treatment for Fibromyalgia That Still Doesn’t Exist: The Search for a True Solution

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people across the world. It brings widespread pain, poor sleep, relentless fatigue, brain fog, and sensory overload. Yet despite decades of research, awareness campaigns, and patient advocacy, there is still one treatment that doesn’t exist for fibromyalgia: a true, universal, reliable cure. Doctors can prescribe medications, patients can practice pacing, and therapists can teach coping tools, but none of these fully erase fibro. The one treatment that fibro warriors…

by chronicillness•09/27/202509/27/2025•0

Annie Hardy: Rock Musician’s Battle with Fibromyalgia

Introduction Annie Hardy, a renowned rock musician and lead singer of the band Giant Drag, has been a significant figure in the alternative rock scene. Despite achieving success and fame, Hardy has faced a personal battle with fibromyalgia, a condition that has dramatically impacted both her personal life and career. This article delves into Annie Hardy’s journey with fibromyalgia, exploring how the chronic pain condition has shaped her life and the steps she has taken…

by Dr Alex Robber•09/26/202508/23/2025•0

Kirsty Young: Stepping Away from Career Due to Fibromyalgia

Introduction Kirsty Young, a well-known Scottish television presenter, made a significant impact on UK media through her work as the host of the BBC Radio 4 show Desert Island Discs and her numerous other broadcasting roles. However, in recent years, her career took an unexpected turn when she made the decision to step away from public life due to her battle with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that can significantly affect daily life. This article…

by Dr Alex Robber•09/25/202508/23/2025•0

Frida Kahlo: A Historical Case of Fibromyalgia?

Introduction Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist known for her vivid self-portraits and profound works, is celebrated for her immense creativity and resilience in the face of hardship. Beyond her well-known artistic genius, Kahlo’s life was marked by personal suffering, both physical and emotional. For years, Kahlo endured severe pain and health issues that have left many wondering whether she might have had fibromyalgia. In this article, we’ll explore Frida Kahlo’s health struggles, examining the…

by Dr Alex Robber•09/23/202508/23/2025•0

Jo Guest: Career Impact & Struggles with Fibromyalgia

Introduction Jo Guest, the well-known British model and television personality, is famous for her captivating presence on screen and in magazines. However, despite her professional success, Jo’s life has been marked by a series of personal challenges, including her battle with fibromyalgia—a condition that can severely affect one’s quality of life. In this article, we will explore how fibromyalgia has impacted Jo Guest’s career, the struggles she faced, and how she navigated life with a…

by Dr Alex Robber•09/22/202508/23/2025•0

Florence Nightingale: The Pioneer with Chronic Illness

Introduction Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing, revolutionized healthcare during the 19th century. Her innovations in nursing practices, hospital design, and sanitation continue to have a lasting impact on global healthcare systems today. However, behind her extraordinary achievements lay a personal battle with chronic illness that significantly shaped her life and career. Nightingale’s struggle with chronic health conditions raises intriguing questions about how she coped with illness while making monumental contributions…

by Dr Alex Robber•09/21/202508/23/2025•0

Susan Flannery: Soap Star’s Fibromyalgia Battle

Introduction Susan Flannery, a celebrated actress known for her iconic role on the daytime soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful, has faced numerous personal challenges throughout her career. While many remember her for her powerful performances and contributions to television, Flannery has also been open about battling fibromyalgia, a condition that significantly impacts her life and career. Fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, is a complex and often misunderstood illness. In…

by Dr Alex Robber•09/20/202508/23/2025•0