Re: Fibromyalgia
When I've been researching RA I've seen Fibromyalgia included on their sites as a form of arthritis or central pain syndrome,so there's no doubt it's a real thing and recognised.
The brain is an highly complex organ, it can create physical symptoms just from under going constant emotional or psychological stress. (without any underlying physical condition being present)
It can also create new pathways around damaged areas (Neuroplasticity) so people can recover from brain injury and strokes. (though it's not known why this doesn't always happen for everyone).
What seems common in a lot of neurological and pain syndromes are links to the endocrine and immune system. Therefore it maybe worth getting thyroid levels tested, checking for adrenal problems, finding foods or supplements that tend to naturally reduce inflammation levels in the body as reducing inflammation tends to lead to a reduction in pain which is basically how the cortisteriods work.
Painkillers only give temporary relief and don't tend to address the initial issue. so if your issue is you have a condition whereby your immune system is attacking your body, then a more successful result maybe trying a treatment that directly makes the immune system stronger and therefore work more efficiently.
So called 'official medical procedures' that people put such importance on (ie ones you get from your GP's or specialists) alot of the time tend to only relieve the symptoms.
I don't know whether its because its a cost issue (thats the cheapest option that area will approve for that patient) or because GP's get paid per patient so if they cure you quickly they lose money if you no longer need their prescriptions or because they genuinely don't know or haven't really thought about how to cure your symptoms for you because they've just got so many patients to get through, they never get opportunity to study any one patients case in detail.
I've been the official route and got nowhere for years, I went the unofficial route (doing my own research and experimenting with supplements and other theories) and I've had success in improving on my original level of disability from neurological causes.
I just think it pays to keep an open mind, other non-traditional therapies can be just as helpful and have a lot less side effects than drugs Dr's prescribe for some conditions.