Widespread pain

Widespread pain describes pain that affects multiple regions of the body, often without a single clear source of tissue damage.

It is a defining feature of conditions like fibromyalgia, where central sensitization and abnormal pain processing amplify normal sensations into persistent pain. Patients with widespread pain frequently report fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties, reflecting the systemic nature of these disorders.
The concept of widespread pain underscores the importance of assessing pain beyond a local region. It also highlights the overlap between musculoskeletal, neuropathic and nociplastic pain mechanisms. Effective management requires a holistic approach that addresses the nervous system’s heightened sensitivity rather than focusing solely on localized treatments.