Dizziness, light-headedness and problems with balance are distressing, but can also cause major problems in everyday life, including nausea, problems with co-ordination and walking, and falls that are more frequent. Up to two-thirds of people with fibromyalgia syndrome have problems with dizziness to some degree.
In a study carried out in the USA and published in 2009, which compared people with and without fibromyalgia syndrome, people with fibromyalgia syndrome had worse balance that those without the disorder. They also had worse scores on ‘balance confidence’, and had many more falls – for example a 50-year old with fibromyalgia syndrome had numbers of falls equivalent to a 70- or 80-year old without the disorder.
What Causes Balance Problems and Dizziness in Fibromyalgia Syndrome?
It’s not completely clear what causes balance problems and dizziness in fibromyalgia syndrome. Fibromyalgia syndrome trigger points in the neck or jaw can cause a feeling of dizziness and imbalance. This may be because they affect the nerves that tell the brain where the body is in space, so if these signals do not match with the signals from the eyes, this could cause dizziness and disorientation.
Dizziness and light-headedness could also be caused by neurally-mediated hypotension (also known as the vaso-vagal reflex) – a drop in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause sweating, fainting and falls.
Neurally-mediated hypotension is most likely to happen:
after standing for a while
when in a warm place
after exercise
after an emotionally stressful event
after a heavy meal.
There is a physical abnormality in the skull known as the Chiari malformation that puts pressure on a specific area of the brain. This can bring on symptoms of neurally-mediated hypotension, and in a study in the USA, it was seen in 60% of people with fibromyalgia syndrome.
Some medications can cause light-headedness, dizziness and balance problems. People with fibromyalgia syndrome tend to take more medications than the general population, and so it’s worth talking to a doctor or pharmacist to see if this might be the cause.
Coping With Balance Problems and Dizziness in Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Make sure that the house and workplace is free of trip hazards, such as cables, rugs and obstructing pieces of furniture, and watch out for sharp objects and corners that could cause an injury after a fall.
Try not to stand up too quickly after sitting or lying down, or bending over, as this can cause the dizziness or make it worse.
Balance exercises can help with balance problems – try dance, yoga, Tai chi or Pilates, sit on an exercise ball, stand on a wobble cushion, walk a line heel to toe (and then backwards again if you can), or just try standing on one leg. The Alexander technique can also be helpful – it focuses on good posture and helps with balance and co-ordination. Exercise also helps with other symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome.
People with problems with balance can sometimes find walking awkward, and find that they stumble more easily – try using a pair of walking poles, especially when it’s icy, or on days that dizziness is a particular problem. Stumbling and falls can also destroy confidence – using walking poles, even if not always needed, will give extra confidence, and provides a visual reminder to people that walking may be a bit of a problem.
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I have suffered with this for 16 years I have it all and so tried I'm 62 and feel like 80 years old even doing this is not easy my thoughts Wander I did this but not sure if you go it so to make sure you get this I doing this again please help me I have in the hospital I'm tired of hearing not much we can do plus all the meds please again help me
Terry - 16-Aug-20 @ 6:47 PM
Really worried. Diagosed with Fibromyalgia, IBS in 2015. Depression and anxiety followed. Was off work for almost 6 weeks at the start of the year following Flu. Was forced to see Occupational Health when I returned, who were very nice and understanding, but suggested I reduce my hours. I currently work 28 hours in a primary school. I now have irritable legs, insomnia and feel very light headed all the time. Can't afford to cut my hours any more and need my job to have something to focus on. Really struggling though and worried how I will cope financially if my employer loses patience and I lose my job!
Kels - 8-Nov-18 @ 11:20 AM
So, pretty much YOULL NEVER know if allergy hives or contact fibro hives?
Dessi - 11-Apr-17 @ 4:59 PM
UnicLady - Your Question:
Having been in hospital with solvable medical problems so much I had forgotten my fibromyalgia.it hid so well behind a heart attack, c.diff, gall bladder removal that now these are behind I find that a lot of problems now unanswered by doctors are the culprits caused by my fibromyalgia. Thanks for these articles. I suffer the most from the dizzy and blood pressure ups and downs that my cardiologist could not find the reason.I will share with him now. Thanks a lot.
Our Response:
You're welcome. I hope now that your other health problems have been recified, you manage to sort out your fibromyalgia problems and find a way of dealing it, so it is at least manageable.
FibromyalgiaSyndrome - 17-Sep-15 @ 10:13 AM
Having been in hospital with solvable medical problems so much I had forgotten my fibromyalgia...it hid so well behind a heart attack, c.diff, gall bladder removal that now these are behind I find that a lot of problems now unanswered by doctors are the culprits caused by my fibromyalgia. Thanks for these articles. I suffer the most from the dizzy and blood pressure ups and downs that my cardiologist could not find the reason...I will share with him now. Thanks a lot.
UnicLady - 16-Sep-15 @ 2:19 AM
I have suffered in the past with dizziness and balance problems which I have had treated by an audiogist . however I still suffer from problems with lightheadiness when out walking or at the shops and when I am at work. but this feeling disappears or gets a lot better when I am at home indoors. I have seen my GP on numerous occasions and have had lots of blood tests trying to find a reason for this. this is affecting my quality of life. nobody seems to be able to help me and it has been going on for three years any suggestions would be grateful. thanks
teresa - 1-May-14 @ 12:52 PM
Having read this article I can definitely identify that I am suffering with neurally-mediated hypotension.I am going to mention this to my GP at my next appointment.
Also just wondering how many people how suffer with Fibro are also hypermobile? (double jointed)I was diagnosed a month ago and I and now in the process of coming off morphine to change medications as opiates don't work as well in people how are hypermobile. Has anyone else had to change meds for the same reason??
Just when I think I'm making some progress in my treatment something else comes up :( gentle hugs to all
nkats mum - 12-Aug-13 @ 10:55 AM
i also find that i cannot walk in a straight line sometimes, and walk to the side sometimes walking into other people. i can feel my muscles tightning as a walk and they become very painful resulting in me having to take a rest.
barmie Re: Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
I have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as such. The doc thinks it is, I have been put on antidepressants. To quote him ,…
Re: Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
I have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as such. The doc thinks it is, I have been put on antidepressants. To quote him ,…
Re: Reading Aids and Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Eeeeer.