Dizziness and Balance Problems in Fibromyalgia
Many people with fibromyalgia experience dizziness, light-headedness or difficulties with balance. These symptoms can range from mild unsteadiness to more serious problems that affect daily life. Studies have found balance issues are common in fibromyalgia, though prevalence figures vary between research papers.
Balance issues may extend beyond feeling wobbly, potentially leading to falls, problems with coordination, and a general sense of unsteadiness when walking. Some people also experience nausea alongside their dizziness, which can make even routine tasks feel exhausting.
Research has compared balance in people with and without fibromyalgia. Those with fibromyalgia tend to perform worse on balance tests and report lower confidence in their ability to stay steady. Studies have also found that falls are more common among people with the condition, with some research suggesting that middle-aged people with fibromyalgia may experience falls at rates typically seen in much older adults without the condition.
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Why Does Fibromyalgia Affect Balance?
The exact reasons for balance problems in fibromyalgia are not fully understood. Several factors may play a part.
Tender points or trigger points in the neck and jaw muscles could affect the signals that tell your brain where your body is positioned in space. When these signals do not match what your eyes are seeing, the result can be dizziness and disorientation.
Other possible contributors include fatigue, poor sleep, medication side effects, and changes in blood pressure. Some people with fibromyalgia also have conditions that commonly occur alongside it, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which can cause light-headedness when standing.
Due to the interplay of various factors, balance problems manifest differently among individuals. What triggers dizziness in one person may have no effect on another.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Managing Dizziness and Reducing Falls
There are practical steps that may help reduce the impact of balance problems:
Move slowly when changing position, particularly when getting up from sitting or lying down
Keep walkways clear at home and ensure rooms are well lit
Wear supportive, flat shoes with non-slip soles
Use handrails on stairs and consider grab rails in the bathroom
Stay hydrated and avoid skipping meals, as low blood sugar can worsen dizziness
Review medications with a GP, as some can affect balance
Physiotherapy can help some people improve their balance and build confidence in movement. A physiotherapist can assess individual needs and suggest exercises tailored to current abilities. Patients can ask their GP for a referral or, in some areas, refer themselves directly to NHS physiotherapy services.
For those having frequent falls or near misses, a GP appointment is worthwhile. They may want to rule out other causes or refer to a falls prevention service. Many NHS trusts run specialist falls clinics that provide assessment, tailored exercise programmes, home safety advice, and equipment such as walking aids or bathroom modifications where needed.
