Q. My daughter has fibromyalgia. Are there any steps she can take to alleviate the symptoms?

Expert Rachel Twomey from Arthritis Care Helpline is here to help.

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition, where pain and extreme tiredness are usually the main symptoms. The causes of fibromyalgia are not known but research suggests that it may be linked to the way the central nervous system processes the signals of pain.

Gentle exercise, gradually built up, can be helpful in managing both the pain and the tiredness of the condition. Your daughter’s GP should be able to refer her to a physiotherapist, who could teach her some exercises.

Assessing lifestyle can be crucial in managing fibromyalgia. This might include balancing gentle activity with periods of rest. Fibromyalgia often has an emotional impact, so exploring psychological therapies such as counselling may also be helpful.

For more detailed information, you may find it helpful to read Arthritis Care’s factsheet on fibromyalgia, downloadable from arthritiscare.org. uk or available free of charge from our helpline. Call the free helpline on 0808 800 4050, Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.