Fibromyalgia & Sympathetically Spread Pain
Specialist diagnosis and multidisciplinary management for fibromyalgia and sympathetically maintained pain in Brisbane and South East Queensland.
Understanding Fibromyalgia and Widespread Pain
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and a range of associated symptoms — without apparent tissue damage or inflammation on standard investigations. It is one of the most common chronic pain conditions seen in specialist pain clinics across Australia, yet it remains frequently misunderstood and underdiagnosed.
At Total Pain Clinic, we take fibromyalgia and sympathetically spread pain seriously. Our Specialist Pain Medicine Physician has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing these complex conditions, working alongside physiotherapists and psychologists to deliver a truly multidisciplinary approach tailored to your individual needs.
What Is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?
Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a syndrome of altered pain processing — an unexplained amplification of the way the body communicates pain signals to the brain. The underlying cause is not fully understood, but it is recognised as a disorder of central sensitisation, where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive and amplifies pain signals beyond what would normally be expected.
FMS affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, though it is more prevalent in females and tends to increase in incidence with age. The onset may be gradual or sudden, and is sometimes triggered by an acute illness, injury or significant psychological stressor.
Importantly, fibromyalgia is a real, recognised medical condition — not a diagnosis of exclusion or a label for unexplained symptoms. Accurate diagnosis and a structured, evidence-based management plan can make a meaningful difference to quality of life.
Sympathetically Maintained Pain
Sympathetically maintained pain (SMP) refers to pain that is sustained or amplified by activity of the sympathetic nervous system. It is a feature of several chronic pain conditions — most notably Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) — but can also contribute to widespread pain syndromes including fibromyalgia.
In sympathetically maintained pain, the autonomic nervous system plays an abnormal role in perpetuating pain signals, often resulting in pain that spreads beyond the original site of injury or illness. Patients may experience burning pain, skin sensitivity, temperature changes and swelling — sometimes affecting multiple regions of the body.
Dr Navid Amirabadi's specialist training in interventional pain practice includes targeted treatments for sympathetically maintained pain, including sympathetic nerve blocks and neuromodulation therapies, alongside comprehensive multidisciplinary management.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia produces a wide range of symptoms that extend well beyond pain alone. Common symptoms include:
How We Treat Fibromyalgia at Total Pain Clinic
There is no single treatment that resolves fibromyalgia, but a structured, multidisciplinary approach can significantly reduce symptoms and improve function. At Total Pain Clinic, your treatment plan is personalised and may include:
Specialist Medical Management
Your pain specialist will review your medications and may recommend evidence-based pharmacological options including antidepressants (such as duloxetine or amitriptyline), anti-neuropathic agents (such as pregabalin or gabapentin) and appropriate analgesics. Medications are always considered as part of a broader plan — not as a standalone solution.
Physiotherapy & Physical Activity
Graded physical activity and physiotherapy are among the most evidence-supported treatments for fibromyalgia. Our physiotherapy team works with you to develop a progressive exercise programme that improves strength, flexibility and pain tolerance — at a pace that is safe and sustainable for you.
Psychology & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Pain psychology plays a central role in fibromyalgia management. Our psychologists use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and pain neuroscience education to help you understand your pain, develop effective coping strategies and improve your quality of life.
Interventional Treatments
For patients with fibromyalgia and sympathetically spread pain, selected interventional treatments may be appropriate — including ketamine infusions, lignocaine infusions and sympathetic nerve blocks. These are considered on an individual basis and are always part of a broader management plan, not a standalone solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Living with Widespread Pain? We Can Help.
Total Pain Clinic offers specialist assessment and multidisciplinary management for fibromyalgia and sympathetically spread pain across Brisbane and South East Queensland. A GP referral is required to join our waiting list.
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