Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, extreme fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive challenges. While it has no identifiable structural cause, it is increasingly recognised as a disorder of sensory processing and nervous system regulation.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we support adult patients with fibromyalgia and related neurological symptoms, including those with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Our specialist inpatient rehabilitation centre offers a personalised, multi-disciplinary approach to help manage symptoms, restore function, and support long-term recovery.

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Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that affects the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. This leads to heightened sensitivity, where even minor stimuli can result in significant discomfort or fatigue.

Many patients experience:

• Chronic widespread pain
• Morning stiffness and poor sleep
• Brain fog or cognitive “slowness”
• Sensory hypersensitivity (e.g. noise or light)
• Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness
• Anxiety or low mood linked to chronic symptoms

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Link Between Fibromyalgia and FND

Patients with fibromyalgia often present with overlapping symptoms seen in Functional Neurological Disorder, including:

• Functional limb weakness or gait disturbance
• Non-epileptic seizures or functional tremors
• Sensory loss or altered sensation
• Postural instability
• Chronic fatigue and cognitive issues

In many cases, these symptoms are not explained by conventional tests but cause significant impairment. Royal Bucks provides support for these complex presentations through our Functional Neurology rehabilitation programme.

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How We Can Help at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Our inpatient rehabilitation programme offers:

• Neurophysiotherapy to address motor function, coordination, and mobility
• Occupational therapy to support energy management, pacing, and daily function
• Neuropsychology to address cognitive fog, emotional regulation, and adaptation
• Fatigue management strategies
• Pain education and desensitisation techniques
• A supportive, multidisciplinary environment focused on building confidence and self-management skills

Each patient receives a personalised therapy plan, designed to support physical, cognitive, and emotional recovery.

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When to Consider Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient support may be suitable for adults with:

• Persistent or severe fibromyalgia symptoms despite outpatient treatment
• Co-existing functional symptoms (FND) or chronic fatigue
• Loss of independence or work capacity
• Complex or overlapping diagnoses requiring team input

Our goal is not only to reduce symptoms but to help patients rebuild independence, regain control, and return to meaningful activities.