Chronic Widespread Pain
Pain distributed across many areas of the body that has persisted for more than 3 months. The defining diagnostic criterion for fibromyalgia, characterised by central sensitisation, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms.
Quick answer
Chronic widespread pain (ICD-10: M79.7; ICD-11: MG30.01) is the primary criterion for fibromyalgia. Exercise has the strongest evidence. CBT, MBPM, and pain neuroscience education improve outcomes. Pacing is essential. Inflammatory and autoimmune causes require investigation.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Pain or aching across multiple body regions simultaneously
Tenderness to touch in multiple areas
Fatigue that accompanies and amplifies pain
Cognitive symptoms (brain fog, memory difficulties)
Pain that fluctuates with stress, weather, sleep quality, and physical activity
What is Chronic Widespread Pain?
Pain distributed across many areas of the body that has persisted for more than 3 months. The defining diagnostic criterion for fibromyalgia, characterised by central sensitisation, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Chronic Widespread Pain, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Systemic or neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation.
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