05/12/2026
May 12 | Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
Understanding Chronic Pain Through a Whole-Body Lens
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting millions of people worldwide and is often characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive symptoms sometimes called “fibro fog.”
Although fibromyalgia has historically been misunderstood, research now suggests it involves changes in how the central nervous system processes pain signals. This process is often referred to as central sensitization, where the brain and spinal cord become more sensitive to sensory input and may amplify pain signals.
Common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may include:
• Widespread body pain and tenderness
• Persistent fatigue
• Non-restorative sleep
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Headaches or migraines
• Digestive issues such as IBS
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
• Mood changes related to chronic discomfort
Fibromyalgia does not always have a single cause. Instead, research suggests it may involve multiple interacting systems in the body, including the nervous system, immune system, endocrine system, and energy metabolism.
Factors that may contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms include:
Nervous system dysregulation
Altered pain processing and increased nervous system sensitivity.
Chronic stress and HPA axis imbalance
Long-term stress may affect cortisol rhythms and nervous system regulation.
Sleep disruption
Poor restorative sleep can increase pain sensitivity and fatigue.
Inflammatory signaling
Low-grade inflammation may influence pain pathways.
Gut health and the gut-brain axis
Emerging research suggests the microbiome may influence inflammation and nervous system function.
Because fibromyalgia involves multiple interconnected systems, many patients benefit from a whole-person approach that focuses on restoring balance rather than simply masking symptoms.
At The Kinney Clinic in Annapolis, our team works with patients to explore underlying contributors to chronic symptoms while supporting:
• Nervous system regulation
• Sleep quality and recovery
• Gut health and digestion
• Stress resilience
• Cellular energy production
• Whole-body wellness
If you have been experiencing symptoms that resemble fibromyalgia or chronic pain conditions, we invite you to schedule a free consultation call with our team to explore what you may be experiencing and discuss possible next steps.
The Kinney Clinic
522 Chesapeake Ave, Suite 2
Annapolis, MD
443-758-6778
