Juvenile fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects young people. It causes widespread muscle and joint pain, tiredness, and sleep problems.

There is no cure for juvenile fibromyalgia, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

This article provides an overview of the symptoms, treatment options, and outlook for young people with this condition.

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Juvenile fibromyalgia, or juvenile primary fibromyalgia (JPFS), is a poorly understood condition that occurs in children and adolescents.

It causes widespread muscle and joint pain. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a hallmark symptom and one of the most common reasons for referral to a pediatric rheumatologist.

It is more common in females and often begins during puberty. However, symptoms can start earlier or later, ranging from ages 5 to 18 years.

JPFS symptoms vary from child to child but typically include:

  • Widespread pain: Children and teenagers with JPFS may experience widespread pain in their muscles, joints, and tendons. They may describe it as dull, aching, or severe.
  • Persistent fatigue: Young people with JPFS may feel extremely tired, even after a full night’s sleep. This can make it challenging for them to participate in daily activities, go to school, and maintain social connections.
  • Sleep disturbances: Sleep problems are also common in JPFS, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
  • Difficulties with memory and concentration: JPFS may make concentrating, focusing, and remembering things harder. This “fibro fog” can interfere with schoolwork and daily functioning.

Young people with JPFS may also experience:

The exact cause of JPFS is unknown. However, researchTrusted Source on adult fibromyalgia suggests that it likely has multiple causes, includingTrusted Source:

  • an overactive pain response in the central nervous system
  • a genetic predisposition
  • physical or emotional trauma, infections, or coexisting conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety, or depression

There are no specific medical tests to confirm a JPFS diagnosis. Doctors base their diagnosisTrusted Source on the child’s reported symptoms, a physical exam, and ruling out other potential causes.

Although the American College of Rheumatology has established three criteria for diagnosing adult fibromyalgia, healthcare professionals consider additional factorsTrusted Source like the child’s developmental stage, pain perception, and potential coexisting conditions when evaluating children and teenagers.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but a multidisciplinary approach to treatment can help manageTrusted Source symptoms and improve quality of life.

Because JPFS involves physical, emotional, and cognitive components, a team of healthcare professionals may manage the child’s care. This team might include a:

Treatment options for JPFS may include:

Medication

Doctors may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for temporary pain relief or one of the following drugsTrusted Source, depending on the child’s symptoms:

  • anticonvulsants
  • antidepressants
  • muscle relaxants

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications specifically for JPFS.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help children and teenagers manage pain and cope with the emotional effects of JPFS.

A 2012 controlled clinical trial found that CBT reduced functional disability and symptoms of depression in adolescents with JPFS. Researchers also suggest that CBT helped them develop valuable coping and self-management skills.

Lifestyle modifications

Doctors may also recommend exercise, good sleep habits, and stress management techniques as part of a comprehensive JPFS treatment plan.

According to a 2017 review, adolescents with JPFS tend to be less active due to pain and fatigue. However, gentle, low impact exercises like swimming, walking, and yoga can help reduce symptoms.

Review authors also found neuromuscular training programs were beneficial in reducing pain and injury risk.

Additionally, combining exercise with CBT was more effective than either intervention alone in improving symptoms and functioning.

Mental health support

Some people with JPFS experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

Working with a mental health professional who specializes in chronic pain or adolescent mental health can offer guidance, potential coping strategies, and referrals to appropriate community resources.

Children and teenagers with JPFS may find it difficultTrusted Source to keep up with schoolwork and participate in extracurricular activities. They may have trouble concentrating, feel drained or lethargic, and miss school regularly.

Here are some tips parents and caregivers can try to help communicate their child’s needs to the school:

  • Meet with school administrators, teachers, and counselors to explain the child’s condition and how it may affect their ability to learn and participate.
  • Request accommodations, such as extended time on assignments, a schedule of reduced assignments, excused absences, or a modified class schedule.
  • Provide a letter from the child’s doctor explaining the diagnosis, limitations, and any accommodations they may need.
  • Work with the school to develop a 504 plan or individualized education program (IEP) to address your child’s academic and physical needs.

How can parents and caregivers help at home?

Here are some practical ways you can support a child with JPFS:

  • Be understanding and patient: Acknowledge and validate your child’s pain by letting them know you believe them and are there to support them.
  • Work together to find effective coping strategies: Work with your child to develop coping strategies to help them manage pain, stress, and other symptoms.
  • Be their advocate: Communicate with your child’s school to ensure they get the academic support and accommodations they need to succeed.
  • Create routines and structure: Help your child maintain a consistent sleep schedule, get regular physical activity, and manage their schoolwork.

JPFS is a chronic, non-life-threatening condition.

Some young people with JPFS may experience an improvement or resolution of their symptoms as they get older, while others continue to manage their condition throughout adulthood.

Early diagnosis and a proactive, comprehensive treatment plan can help minimize the long-term effects of JPFS and improve the overall quality of life for children and adolescents living with this condition.

JPFS causes widespread pain in children and teenagers. There is no cure, but a multidisciplinary treatment plan, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Parents and caregivers can support their child by providing understanding and patience, helping them develop coping strategies, advocating for accommodations at school, and maintaining a schedule at home.

With proper care and support, many young people with JPFS can go on to live happy, fulfilling lives.