A chronic, debilitating condition with widespread pain, fatigue and fibro-fog — affecting roughly 1 in 20 people. Manageable with the right combination of lifestyle and medical care.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, debilitating condition where patients experience widespread pain, fatigue, mood changes, sleep and memory problems — known as “fibro-fog”. The exact cause is unknown but it’s thought to involve abnormal signalling in pain pathways in the brain.
Research by Dr Ethan Russo shows most of this signalling occurs in the endocannabinoid system — explaining why patients respond so well to cannabis-based medicines. The same theory may explain why migraines and IBS, often co-occurring, also respond well to cannabinoid medicines.
Many cases follow a viral infection, surgery, physical trauma or severe psychological stress. Others develop gradually and worsen over time. Most common in women, typically appearing between ages 30–50 — though it can affect anyone. Affects roughly 1 in 20 people and is now formally recognised as a medical condition.
There’s no cure — but plenty can be done to lead a normal life. No one can manage this condition better than you, supported by the right team.
Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, fast food, gluten and lactose. Build meals around fresh organic greens, wild fish, free-range chicken, organic fruit and gluten-free cereals — small and frequent. Drink plenty of water, flavoured with fresh fruit only.
The most under-used therapy for fibromyalgia. Patients are often stiff and don’t move much — which makes pain worse. Gentle, regular exercise — yoga, hydrotherapy, swimming — makes a major difference. A physiotherapist can help patients who haven’t exercised in years restart safely.
Stress worsens fibromyalgia symptoms. Time management, pacing activities and finding time to rest mentally and physically are essential. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help acceptance, reduce pain levels and ease the depression and insomnia that often accompany the condition.
Many fibromyalgia patients are Vitamin D deficient. Up to 80% are Magnesium deficient. Omega 3 and B vitamins are crucial for nerve conduction and pain signalling. Some specialists also emphasise probiotics for the gut-brain axis.
Many fibromyalgia medications have significant side effects — and patients often prefer no medication over those side effects. Cannabis-based medicines are the best evidence-backed alternative: more effective than opiates, anti-epileptics or anti-depressants for this condition, with far fewer side effects. The right combination of cannabinoids and terpenes can produce near-complete relief.
Fibromyalgia is closely linked to how your brain’s chemical messengers behave. Our short neurotransmitter self-test points you towards the natural-remedy approach most likely to help — it’s educational, not a diagnosis.
Take the neurotransmitter self-testWe ask about symptoms experienced and whether you already have a diagnosis. We explore medications tried, prior therapy sessions and dig into your history — focusing on triggers and aggravating factors. Examination follows where useful.
You leave with a probable diagnosis, a written treatment plan and any further investigations arranged at Mater Dei Hospital or a private hospital. The plan covers lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements where helpful and medication options.
Book a 1-hour consultation to map your full picture — and start a plan that brings the symptoms within reach.
Medically reviewed by Dr Andrew Agius, Founder & Medical Director — last reviewed 29 June 2026.
