What You Need to Know About Lupus and Fibromyalgia

Nova Vita offers integrative therapies designed to reduce inflammation, restore energy, and improve long-term wellness for those living with chronic conditions like lupus and fibromyalgia.

People who struggle with autoimmune disorders or chronic pain may struggle in silence. While there seems to be no pain from an outsider’s perspective, internally, your joints may ache, muscles feel heavy, and your energy levels seem low even after plenty of rest. These symptoms may come and go and worsen unpredictably, leaving you feeling debilitated and out of control of your day-to-day life.

For many, especially women, this isn’t just stress or aging. It’s the daily reality of living with a condition like lupus or fibromyalgia, two complex and often misunderstood issues that can drastically affect the quality of life. Fibromyalgia and lupus are both chronic diseases without a cure, can both cause similar symptoms, and may take a while to get the right diagnosis. In this article, we’ll explore the critical differences between the diseases, why early recognition is important, and how integrative treatment can help you regain control and improve your well-being.

Nova Vita Solutions

At Nova Vita, we take a whole-body approach to managing chronic conditions like lupus and fibromyalgia. While there is no cure for either condition, our therapies are designed to ease symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life.

Red Light Therapy is a popular choice for reducing joint pain and stiffness by promoting cellular repair and decreasing inflammation. For those experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or nutrient deficiencies, our IV vitamin infusions and targeted vitamin booster injections offer fast, effective support to replenish what the body needs most, such as glutathione and NAD+. Peptide therapy, including compounds like BPC-157, may help modulate immune responses and support tissue healing, particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune flare-ups.

Compression therapy can further aid circulation and ease muscle soreness, while our hormone optimization services help address underlying imbalances that may contribute to fatigue, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Whether you’re seeking relief, recovery, or resilience, Nova Vita delivers integrative solutions to help you feel your best. Book an appointment today!

What’s the Difference?

While lupus and fibromyalgia can share similar symptoms, like fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog, they are fundamentally different conditions with very different underlying causes. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues throughout the body. This results in widespread inflammation that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Because it’s systemic, symptoms often flare and subside unpredictably, and without proper treatment, the disease can progress to life-threatening complications like kidney disease and heart disease. Women of childbearing age are at the most risk of lupus, and 90% of people living with lupus are women. 

Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune or inflammatory disease. Instead, it is classified as a chronic pain disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, sensitivity to touch, and often co-occurs with fatigue, memory issues (“fibro fog”), and sleep disturbances. While it does not cause damage to organs or tissues, the pain and exhaustion can be just as debilitating. Women, middle-aged adults, and people with arthritis may be at a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. While fibromyalgia can impair your quality of life, it does not damage tissues or organs and is not life-threatening.

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Widespread pain and tenderness

Fibromyalgia is best known for persistent musculoskeletal pain. This can include aching, burning, or throbbing sensations in muscles and soft tissues. Many individuals report specific “tender points” especially sensitive to touch.

Chronic fatigue

Even after a full night’s sleep, those with fibromyalgia often wake up feeling exhausted. Every day activities may worsen fatigue, creating a cycle of low energy that can impact every aspect of life.

“Fibro fog” or cognitive difficulties

Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and brain fog, commonly called “fibro fog,” are frequent complaints that can make multitasking, decision-making, or recalling information especially challenging.

Sleep disturbances

Many people with fibromyalgia struggle with insomnia or non-restorative sleep. Disrupted sleep cycles can further intensify pain and fatigue.allenging.

Tingling, numbness, or strange sensations

Some experience burning, prickling, or tingling in the arms and legs. These symptoms often mimic nerve-related disorders but are commonly associated with fibromyalgia.

Headaches and migraines

Recurring headaches, including migraines and tension-type headaches, are common and can further reduce quality of life.

Other symptoms

Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by additional issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), jaw pain (TMJ), pelvic pain, and heightened sensitivity to temperature, noise, or light.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

Joint pain and swelling

Painful, inflamed joints, especially in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet, are a prominent symptom in those with lupus. Symptoms may come and go in flares, and joint stiffness is often worse in the morning.

Skin rashes 

People with lupus may develop the malar rash, a butterfly-shaped rash that appears across the nose and cheeks. Discoid rashes (red, raised, scaly patches) can also develop, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.

Fatigue

Lupus-related fatigue can be intense and chronic, often persisting even after rest. It is one of the most common and disabling symptoms reported.

Photosensitivity

Many people with lupus are extremely sensitive to sunlight, which can trigger rashes, flares, or fatigue.

Swelling and fluid retention

Lupus can affect kidney function, leading to swelling in the ankles, feet, hands, or around the eyes due to fluid retention.

Fever and weight changes

Unexplained fevers and unintentional weight loss or gain (often related to inflammation or kidney problems) may signal a lupus flare.

Cognitive and neurological symptoms

Lupus can affect the brain and nervous system, leading to brain fog, headaches, anxiety, depression, seizures, or even psychosis in severe cases.

Other symptoms

Mouth ulcers, chest pain (from inflammation around the lungs or heart), hair loss, and dry eyes are also common.

Treating Fibromyalgia and Lupus

While there is no cure for either condition, early diagnosis and targeted treatment can significantly improve quality of life and reduce complications. Because lupus and fibromyalgia have different underlying causes, their treatments vary greatly.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

Treatment for fibromyalgia focuses on managing chronic pain, improving sleep, and boosting energy levels. Often, a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapies works best.

• FDA-approved medications like pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella) may help relieve widespread pain and fatigue.
• Antidepressants and anti-seizure medications are often used to calm overactive nerves and reduce symptoms.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and stress-reduction techniques can also support long-term symptom control.

Lupus Treatment

Lupus treatment is focused on controlling the immune system’s overactivity and preventing organ damage during flares.

• NSAIDs help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is commonly used to manage skin rashes, fatigue, and joint issues.
• Steroids and immunosuppressants like methotrexate or mycophenolate are used during more severe flares.
• Biologic therapies such as belimumab (Benlysta) or rituximab (Rituxan) target specific immune pathways to reduce inflammation and long-term complications.

Whole-Body Wellness Strategies

In both lupus and fibromyalgia, supportive care plays a critical role in symptom management:

• Gentle exercise like yoga, walking, or swimming can improve strength and reduce stiffness.
• Balanced nutrition supports immune health, reduces inflammation, and may help manage comorbid conditions.
• Quality sleep is essential; both conditions can worsen with poor rest.
• Complementary therapies like acupuncture, meditation, massage, and red light therapy (available at Nova Vita) may help reduce stress and pain naturally.
  

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If you’re struggling with persistent fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or unexplained symptoms, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Nova Vita, our providers specialize in whole-body wellness and can help you uncover the root of your symptoms, whether it’s autoimmune-related or chronic pain from conditions like fibromyalgia.

With advanced diagnostics, personalized care plans, and supportive therapies that go beyond prescriptions, we’re here to help you feel like yourself again. Book your wellness consultation today and take the first step toward clarity, balance, and lasting relief.