Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Fibromyalgia: What Are the Differences?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks joint tissues, causing joint pain and stiffness.

Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, is a neurological (affecting the nervous system) condition that causes fatigue and muscle pain, but is not considered a type of arthritis.

Although rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia are both chronic pain conditions with overlapping symptoms, the causes of these conditions are not the same.

This article will explain more about the differences between rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

What Are the Symptoms?

RA and fibromyalgia symptoms can overlap and have many similarities. However, each condition has unique symptoms that the other does not. 

Both conditions may cause: 

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
  

Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause:

• Inflammation 
• Joint swelling
• Low-grade fever
• Appetite loss
  

Fibromyalgia may also cause:

• Brain fog
• Headaches
• Sensitivity to temperature changes 
• Irritable bowel syndrome 
  

Causes of RA and Fibromyalgia

It is important to note that rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia have different causes. RA is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, while fibromyalgia stems from an abnormal pain response from the nervous system. Researchers are still trying to determine the exact cause of each condition. 

The possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Specific genes
• Environmental factors 
• Sex hormones
  

The possible causes of fibromyalgia include:

• Illnesses
• Traumatic events
• Repeat injuries 
  

How RA and Fibromyalgia Are Diagnosed

The diagnosis process begins the same way for rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Your healthcare provider will: 

• Collect your medical history
• Discuss your symptoms 
• Do a physical exam
  

The diagnosis process for rheumatoid arthritis may also include the following laboratory tests:

• Rheumatoid factor (RF): A blood test that measures levels of an autoantibody (a protein made by the immune system)
• Complete blood count (CBC): A measure of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP): A test for another autoimmune antibody that attacks joints
• C-reactive protein: An inflammatory marker
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: Another measure of inflammation
  

Imaging tests for rheumatoid arthritis include:

• X-ray
• MRI
• Ultrasound
  

Diagnosing fibromyalgia doesn’t involve these tests.

Unfortunately, there is no official laboratory or imaging test that can diagnose fibromyalgia. It’s a diagnosis of exclusion. Your healthcare provider will have to rule out other health conditions to confirm that they are not causing your symptoms.

Sometimes fibromyalgia may be misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis because of the similar symptoms. 

Treatments Vary Depending on the Condition

Some of the treatment options for fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis are similar, but others are not. You may be given the following treatment options for either condition: 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Exercise programs
• Physical therapy
• Diet changes
• Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep and reducing stress 
  

Additional treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Corticosteroids
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic drugs
• Surgery 
  

Additional treatment options for fibromyalgia include:

• Antidepressants
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Drugs for nerve pain
  

Preventing RA and Fibromyalgia

Although there are steps you can take to improve your health overall, researchers have not found specific prevention steps to stop rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia from ever developing. 

In general, to stay healthy you may want to:

• Limit alcohol
• Stop smoking or using any type of tobacco products
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid injuries when possible 
  

Summary 

Rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia are two painful health conditions with similar but not identical symptoms. This can make diagnosis difficult for healthcare providers. You have treatment options that can help you manage these conditions and reduce pain. 

A Word From Verywell

Rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose and treat. It is important to talk to your doctor about your concerns and to stay actively involved in your health. Make sure you notify your healthcare provider about any changes in symptoms, new symptoms, or side effects from treatments. 

There are support groups for both rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia that you may want to explore. Some groups meet online, while others meet in person. You can learn more about living with RA and fibromyalgia while sharing your own experiences.