Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis are two conditions that can cause chronic pain and fatigue. While they share some symptoms, they are different conditions with different underlying causes.

Understanding the differences between these two conditions can lead to better diagnosis and treatment.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects an estimated 10 million adults in the United States.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but researchers believe it may be related to a dysfunction in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:.

Widespread pain and tenderness
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Cognitive issues, such as difficulty with concentration and memory
Anxiety or depression

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. The immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation that can damage the joint tissue and cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men, and it can develop at any age. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:.

Joint pain and stiffness
Swelling in the joints
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Fever and weight loss

Symptom overlap

While fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis have some distinct differences in their symptoms, there is also significant overlap between the two conditions.

For example, both conditions can cause fatigue and sleep disturbances, and both can result in cognitive issues such as difficulty with memory and concentration. Additionally, people with fibromyalgia may develop joint pain and stiffness, which are also hallmark symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging because the symptoms can be similar. However, doctors use different criteria to make a diagnosis for each condition.

For fibromyalgia, doctors may use the “tender points” method, which involves pressing on specific areas of the body to check for pain. They may also use other diagnostic criteria, such as ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is typically diagnosed using a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and physical exams that assess joint function and inflammation.

Treatment

Because fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis are different conditions, the treatment options also differ.

For fibromyalgia, doctors may recommend a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, such as stress management and regular exercise. There are several medications approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia, including antidepressants, pain relievers, and anti-seizure drugs.

For rheumatoid arthritis, treatment typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and surgery in some cases. There are several medications approved by the FDA to treat rheumatoid arthritis, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics.

Conclusion

While fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis share some symptoms, they are different conditions with distinct underlying causes. Understanding the differences between these two conditions is important for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing chronic pain or other symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who can help you determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.