Researchers have theorized that COVID-19 may contribute to developing fibromyalgia or worsening one’s symptoms. But further research is still needed to confirm if there’s a link.

Many health conditions are connected. If one part of the body, like the brain or heart, is compromised, another part of the body can often be seriously affected.

As researchers search to understand these connections and what they mean for treatments, the question of whether COVID-19 and fibromyalgia are connected has risen.

Research in this area is ongoing, but it’s theorized that COVID-19 can contribute to the development or worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms. On the other hand, fibromyalgia alone may not lead to more severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Learn more about the connection between COVID-19 and fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissue of the body, whereas COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus with many attributes of the flu. Both conditions can cause coughing, body aches, and trouble breathing or sleeping.

Researchers have theorized that COVID-19 may be able to contribute to the development of fibromyalgia or exacerbate (or worsen) an individual’s fibromyalgia symptoms.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but viral infections are thought to be a risk factor for triggering or worsening symptoms. Physical or mental stress is also a common factor that can lead to the development of or worsening of fibromyalgia, and COVID-19 is a well-known source of such stress.

Although many aspects of fibromyalgia aren’t fully understood, the central nervous system is known to play a critical role, and more than one-third of individuals have experienced their central nervous system being affected by COVID-19.

There’s speculation that long COVID may be linked to the development or worsening of fibromyalgia because it can cause inflammatory responses. Further research is still needed to fully understand the mechanisms of this, though.

There’s no evidence yet that fibromyalgia alone will put you at a greater risk of catching COVID-19, but if you have fibromyalgia and an associated condition that affects your immune system, you may be at a greater risk of COVID-19. You may also be at a greater risk of COVID-19 if you use immunosuppressant medications to help treat your fibromyalgia or related conditions.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known. But some risk factors have been identified:

  • Age: Older individuals are more likely to have it, as fibromyalgia is most commonly diagnosed in middle age.
  • Gender: Women are also more likely to experience fibromyalgia than men.
  • Other health conditions: Certain conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are known to increase your likelihood of developing fibromyalgia.

Other potential risk factors may include:

  • stressful and traumatic events
  • repeat injuries
  • viral illnesses
  • obesity
  • a family history of fibromyalgia

It’s worth noting that the effects of weight discrimination can also contribute to negative health effects.

Treatment for fibromyalgia may include a combination of medications, physical therapy, and alternative therapies.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, a doctor may suggest treatment options such as:

  • prescription medications like antiepileptics and antidepressants
  • aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises
  • chronic pain support groups and classes
  • stress relief techniques like meditating, journaling, and massage
  • acupuncture
  • therapy
  • adopting good sleep habits

You can read more about these and other possible treatments to relieve fibromyalgia pain here.

Because the exact cause of fibromyalgia isn’t known, there’s no way to prevent it yet. But you may be able to lower the chances of a flare by:

  • taking steps to lower and manage your stress, such as meditating, journaling, and massage
  • getting sufficient sleep
  • eating a balanced diet
  • avoiding alcohol
  • not smoking
  • exercising regularly
  • attending support groups or therapy

You can read more about fibromyalgia flare-ups here.

It’s important to speak with a doctor if you don’t have a diagnosis of long COVID or fibromyalgia and are experiencing symptoms.

You should also try to reach out to a doctor if your symptoms worsen or become severe. This may include:

  • trouble staying alert
  • worsening joint pain
  • difficulty breathing
  • persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • difficulty concentrating and remembering information
  • pale, blue, or gray-colored skin and lips

What’s the life expectancy for people with fibromyalgia?

Because fibromyalgia isn’t a life threatening condition, it’s unlikely to affect life expectancy.

What worsens fibromyalgia pain?

Fibromyalgia pain can often worsen due to physical and emotional stress.

Does COVID make fibromyalgia worse?

It’s still not clear whether COVID can make fibromyalgia worse. Further research is still needed to confirm a connection between the two conditions.

It’s theorized that COVID-19 may be able to trigger the development of fibromyalgia and exacerbate the symptoms you experience. But fibromyalgia may not increase your risk of catching COVID-19 or worsen your symptoms.

Some conditions commonly associated with fibromyalgia and the use of immunosuppressant medications can make you more vulnerable to COVID, though.

Research on COVID-19 is ongoing, so it’s possible that more connections between it and fibromyalgia will become clear in the future. If you’re experiencing either COVID-19 or a fibromyalgia flare, it’s important to speak with a doctor. They can help to advise you on the current best treatments.