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What is fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, severe fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive disorders (“fibro fog”). It affects 2–4% of the population, predominantly women aged 30—60. This is not “psychosomatic” — it is a real neurobiological condition with proven changes in pain processing.
Central sensitization
The main mechanism — amplification of pain signals in the CNS. The brain “turns up the volume” on normal body signals, converting normal pressure into pain (allodynia). Pain threshold is lowered.
Peripheral pain generators
Trigger points in muscles and fascia, micro-inflammation in small joints, compression of small nerve fibers — constantly feed central sensitization. Whether regenerative treatment is an option in this condition is assessed by the clinic doctor.
Neuroendocrine disturbances
Decreased serotonin, norepinephrine, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Explains accompanying symptoms: depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, irritable bowel syndrome.
Genetics & triggers
Genetic predisposition (COMT, 5-HT2A polymorphisms) + trigger: trauma, infection, stress, surgery. Family history increases risk 8-fold. The condition is not “imagined” — it has a biological basis.
Symptoms & diagnosis
Widespread pain
Pain “everywhere” — in muscles, joints, back, neck, chest. Migrating, worsens with stress, cold, sleep deprivation. Duration >3 months. Often described as “burning,” “aching,” “tightness.”
Fatigue & sleep disturbance
Severe fatigue not relieved by rest. Non-restorative sleep — patient wakes “broken.” Disruption of deep sleep phase (alpha-delta anomaly on EEG).
Cognitive impairment (“fibro fog”)
Decreased concentration, forgetfulness, difficulty finding words. Not dementia — reversible with pain and sleep control. But seriously affects work capacity and quality of life.
Diagnostic criteria (ACR 2016)
Widespread Pain Index (WPI) ≥7 + Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) ≥5. Symptoms >3 months. No other condition explaining the pain. Blood tests, MRI, X-ray — normal (diagnosis of exclusion).
Why standard treatment is insufficient
Antidepressants (duloxetine, amitriptyline)
Act on descending pain inhibitory pathways. Effective in 30–50% of patients. Side effects: drowsiness, weight gain, sexual dysfunction. Do not eliminate peripheral pain sources.
Pregabalin / Gabapentin
Reduce neuronal excitability. Moderate pain effect (30% reduction in 40% of patients). Side effects: dizziness, edema, cognitive worsening. Dependence with long-term use.
NSAIDs & analgesics
Virtually ineffective in fibromyalgia — pain is not inflammatory in the classical sense. Opioids are contraindicated: they worsen central sensitization. Paracetamol — placebo effect.
What the standard approach misses
All medications target the CNS but ignore peripheral pain generators: trigger points, fascial adhesions, small joint dysfunction. Whether regenerative treatment is an option in this condition is assessed by the clinic doctor.
Fibromyalgia: treatment options and what is known about them
The treatment plan is made by the clinic doctor after an examination and a review of your images. The table shows the options usually discussed for this diagnosis and how well they have been studied.
| Option | What to expect | How well studied |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise therapy and physiotherapy | Reduces pain, strengthens muscles, improves function; the basis of treatment | Well studied, recommended |
| Treatment by a rheumatologist | Disease-modifying or specific drug therapy — the basis of treatment | Moderate evidence |
| Painkillers and NSAIDs | Ease pain during flare-ups; long-term use is limited by side effects | Little data |
| PRP / CGF | — | Not usually used for this diagnosis |
We send your request to several partner clinics. Some will suggest conservative treatment or injections, others surgery; each clinic quotes its own conditions and price. We help you compare the options.
Regenerative methods: realistic expectations
Fibromyalgia is a disorder of how the nervous system processes pain, not damage to joints or muscles. Regular graded physical activity, attention to sleep and stress and sometimes medication that changes pain perception help most. Joint injections and regenerative methods are not indicated in fibromyalgia.
When surgery is discussed. Surgery does not help in fibromyalgia and is not used.
If an injection helps, the effect usually builds up over 6–12 weeks, and the result is assessed after 2–3 months. No clinic can guarantee a result.
Results & prognosis
Regenerative treatment for fibromyalgia is not a panacea but a significant complement to standard therapy. Greatest effect — in patients with pronounced peripheral pain component (multiple trigger points, specific joint pain).
Clinic and method matching — free of charge
Describe your case and attach your MRI report. We will identify clinics that use the relevant methods and forward your request to them. No obligation; we reply within 24 hours.
Send a requestRehabilitation and recovery
The key to recovery in fibromyalgia is gradually increasing physical activity: walking, swimming, water exercise, yoga or tai chi, starting with small amounts. Sleep routines, psychological therapy (CBT) and learning pain management also help. Improvement usually develops over several months; the rehabilitation programme is chosen by the physician.
Scientific evidence
Studies of regenerative methods show mixed results. Clinic physicians rely on research including the following:
- Macfarlane GJ et al. EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia. Ann Rheum Dis, 2017.
- Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: a clinical review. JAMA, 2014.
Next: Treatment methods · Treatment costs · Contact a coordinator
Frequently asked questions
RegenPAS is a patient service centre in Munich, not a clinic. We review your images and symptoms and send a request to several partner clinics at once. Clinics that can accept you send their own conditions and price; prices differ between clinics, and you choose the option that suits you. The coordinator replies within 24 hours, and a clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days. We then arrange the appointment, visa invitation, interpreter, transfers and accommodation. Treatment decisions are made by the clinic physician. Contact a coordinator.
Your MRI (or CT, X-ray) report and the images if you have them, plus a short description of your symptoms and previous treatment. Send them via the form on the website — the assessment is free and without obligation: the coordinator replies within 24 hours, and the clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days.
The cost depends on the method, the diagnostics needed and the clinic itself: prices differ between clinics. We request offers from several clinics and send you their conditions and quotes so you can compare. Price guidance is on the treatment cost page. For an outpatient procedure, 2–3 days in Munich are usually enough: examination, procedure and follow-up visit.