Rheumatology in Lagos
Fibromyalgia
The signs, what causes it, and treatment in Lagos from ₦66,000, with the full price shown before you book or pay.
Signs to look for
Fibromyalgia
- Pain in many parts of the body, lasting more than three months
- Being more sensitive to pain and touch than before
- Tiredness and waking unrefreshed
- Trouble concentrating or remembering (fibro-fog)
- Muscle stiffness
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Fibromyalgia is long-term pain all over the body, with tiredness, poor sleep and trouble concentrating that people call fibro-fog. The pain is real: the nervous system has become more sensitive to it. There is no blood test or scan for fibromyalgia, so the diagnosis is made from the pattern of symptoms after other causes, such as an underactive thyroid or inflammatory arthritis, have been checked. In Nigeria it is often treated as repeated malaria or 'body pain', with painkillers that do not help. The treatments that work best are exercise, sleep and talking therapies; NICE advises against starting common painkillers and opioids for this kind of pain.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Pain in many parts of the body, lasting more than three months
- Being more sensitive to pain and touch than before
- Tiredness and waking unrefreshed
- Trouble concentrating or remembering (fibro-fog)
- Muscle stiffness
- Headaches, an irritable bowel, or low mood and worry
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if pain all over the body has lasted more than three months with poor sleep and tiredness. See a doctor sooner if there is weight loss, fevers, swollen joints, a rash or new weakness, which point to something other than fibromyalgia. If low mood comes with thoughts of harming yourself, get help now: call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Treatment options
- A regular exercise programme, built up slowly, which is the treatment with the best evidence
- Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Better sleep habits
- Some antidepressants, which can help pain and sleep even without depression
- Understanding the condition, which itself reduces fear of the pain
- Stopping painkillers that are not helping, with a doctor's advice
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is fibromyalgia real?
Yes. The pain is real and comes from a nervous system that has become more sensitive. Normal blood tests do not mean nothing is wrong; they mean the cause is not damage or inflammation.
Will painkillers help?
Usually not much. NICE advises against starting paracetamol, anti-inflammatory painkillers or opioids for this kind of long-term pain, because the harms outweigh the small benefit. Exercise and therapy help more.
Why see a rheumatologist?
To be sure it is fibromyalgia and not an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which can look similar early on and need very different treatment.
Need Help?
Find a verified rheumatology specialist near you.
Rheumatology in Lagos →Rheumatology in Abuja →Rheumatology in Port Harcourt →Rheumatology in Jos →Rheumatology in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Fibromyalgia. NHS. Patient information.
- Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain (NG193). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.