Fibromyalgia & musculoskeletal pain
Two faces of chronic pain: distinct psychosocial profiles in headache and fibromyalgia
Authors' conclusion
While both conditions are linked to psychosocial impairment, fibromyalgia was associated with higher pain intensity and stronger correlations with psychological dysfunction, while chronic headache showed more selective associations, particularly involving perceived interference with mood and ruminative thinking.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals with chronic headache or FM
- Participants
- 42 individuals
- Exposure
- Chronic headache vs FM
- Chronic headachen = 21
- FMn = 21
- Outcome
- Associations between pain, related symptoms and psychosocial outcomes
Methodological detailsonline
- Online
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Pain intensity (NRS)
Headache
5.5
mean · SD 2.3
Fibromyalgia
7.38
mean · SD 2.2
- Headache: BPI intensity correlated with general activity
- r=0.621, p=0.003
- Headache: BPI intensity correlated with mood
- r=0.730, p=0.001
- Headache: BPI intensity correlated with self-efficacy
- r=0.515, p=0.017
- Headache: motor deficits associated with PCS rumination
- rs=0.682, p=0.001
- Headache: sensory deficits associated with PCS rumination
- rs=0.541, p=0.011
- Fibromyalgia: pain intensity correlated with PCS total
- r=0.606, p=0.004
- Fibromyalgia: pain intensity correlated with helplessness
- r=0.777, p<0.001
- Fibromyalgia: pain intensity correlated with interference with daily life
- r=0.823, p<0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Two faces of chronic pain: distinct psychosocial profiles in headache and fibromyalgia. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Published 2 August 2025. doi:10.
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