My mother has had long-standing hypertension and diabetes since 2008, along with a past history of migraine, cervical spondylosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. She now has widespread body pain affecting different areas, including the knees, arms, and the back of the head, and is under treatment from multiple specialists. Despite several medications for pain, nerve symptoms, and other conditions, her discomfort persists, and she also seems anxious during consultations. Could this be fibromyalgia or a psychological condition contributing to her symptoms? We would like guidance on the next steps and a clearer treatment plan.
Your mother?s symptoms may be due to a combination of long-standing medical conditions, such as diabetes related nerve pain, cervical spine issues, and possible central pain sensitisation seen in fibromyalgia. Anxiety and chronic pain often influence each other and can make the overall pain experience more widespread and persistent without it being purely psychological. A detailed assessment by a rheumatologist or pain specialist would help confirm the diagnosis and avoid unnecessary medications. A multidisciplinary approach combining physiotherapy, gentle graded exercise, and psychological support, along with simplified medicines, often provides better control.
