Chronic Widespread Pain Syndrome (CWPS) is a condition in which pain is experienced across multiple regions of the body for three months or longer, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive symptoms (“fibro-fog”). It reflects central sensitisation — where the nervous system becomes overactive and amplifies pain signals, even without ongoing tissue injury.
CWPS overlaps with conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain, and can significantly affect energy, mobility, and quality of life.
Typical symptoms include:
The condition does not indicate damage to the muscles or joints, but rather an overactive pain-processing system. With the right support, patients can calm the system, regain function, and improve quality of life.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, diagnosis begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand your symptoms, triggers, and medical history.
We perform a physical examination to check for tender points, muscle tension, and movement patterns, and we rule out other causes of pain such as inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
Blood tests and imaging may be used to exclude thyroid disorders, arthritis, or vitamin deficiencies.
Our consultants recognise that chronic widespread pain involves neurological, psychological, and physical factors, and work closely with physiotherapists and psychologists to build a complete picture of your condition.
Our physiotherapy and rehabilitation partners play a central role in recovery, focusing on gentle movement re-education, graded exercise, and posture correction to restore function without exacerbating pain. Hydrotherapy is often especially beneficial — allowing comfortable, supported movement in warm water.
Our pain psychology partners provide essential support for managing the emotional and cognitive effects of chronic pain. They teach evidence-based strategies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and pacing to help patients regain control and reduce the impact of pain on daily life.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, our consultant-led multidisciplinary team ensures that every patient receives integrated, compassionate, and scientifically grounded care. We work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
