Fibromyalgia & Kidney Health—Is There a Connection?

Hey there,

Fibromyalgia is unpredictable—some days it’s manageable, other days it feels like you’ve been steamrolled. And if you’ve ever experienced back pain in the kidney area, you might have wondered: Is this fibro? My kidneys? Both?

While fibromyalgia doesn’t directly cause kidney pain, there is a potential connection. Research suggests that people with fibromyalgia are more likely to have chronic kidney disease (CKD)—and while the two conditions aren’t the same, they can definitely make each other worse.

Since March is National Kidney Month, let’s talk about why that matters.

Why the Fibro-Kidney Connection Matters

🧩 Fibro & Misplaced Pain

Fibromyalgia pain can show up in unexpected places, including your back. So while it might feel like kidney pain, it could actually be muscle tenderness—or it could be both.

🩺 Kidney Health & Chronic Inflammation

If your kidneys aren’t filtering out waste efficiently, toxins build up in your system. This can contribute to more inflammation, more discomfort, and potentially more fibro flares.

📊 Higher CKD Risk in Fibro Patients

Studies suggest a higher prevalence of CKD in people with fibro. Whether it’s from long-term inflammation, medication side effects, or something else, it’s a good reason to keep an eye on your kidney health.

What Can You Do?

💧 Hydration—But Make It Smart

You already know drinking water is important, but some fibro folks have found that adding electrolytes (instead of just plain water) helps their kidneys function better and reduces muscle soreness.

🥦 Eat for Kidney Health

Some foods support kidney function better than others. If you’re dealing with fibro and want to keep your kidneys happy, try incorporating more:
✅ Berries – High in antioxidants, low in potassium (which is good for kidney health).
✅ Avocados & Healthy Fats – Support inflammation control.
✅ Magnesium-Rich Foods – Can help with muscle function and overall energy.
🚫 What to avoid? Processed foods, excessive salt, and foods high in purines (which can increase uric acid levels).

🧘‍♀️ Move—Without Overdoing It

Gentle movement like stretching, yoga, or short walks can help circulation and kidney function without making fibro pain worse. It’s all about balance—nobody’s telling you to run a marathon (unless you want to, in which case, wow, please tell me your secret).

🌿 Consider Natural Kidney Support

Certain herbs and supplements have been linked to better kidney function, and some fibro folks say they’ve noticed fewer flares after focusing on their kidney health. A few common ones people talk about include:
✔️ Cranberry extract
✔️ Dandelion root
✔️ Omega-3 supplements

What’s Been Your Experience?

Fibromyalgia and kidney issues aren’t directly linked, but if you’ve been dealing with more inflammation, more soreness, and more unexplained pain, it might be worth looking into how well your kidneys are functioning. At the very least, taking care of them won’t hurt—and it might just help you feel a little better overall.

Ever experienced back pain and wondered if it was fibro, kidney-related, or something else entirely? Let me know—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

Brandon