Fibromyalgia Health Center

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain throughout the body and a feeling of fatigue. The muscles affected most are usually those in the shoulders, buttocks, neck, and lower back. The pain in these areas seems to originate from specific tender points.

Fibromyalgia pain can be made worse by factors such as stress, weather changes, loud noises, and anxiety. Up to 90% of fibromyalgia patients feel tired all the time.

Many patients experience other symptoms that can be mild or severe, and may come and go. These symptoms include:

  • sleep disturbances
  • morning stiffness
  • headaches
  • irritable bowel syndrome, Irritable bowel syndrome includes digestive problems such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation
  • painful menstrual periods
  • numbness or tingling of the extremities
  • restless legs syndrome
  • temperature sensitivity,
  • cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as "fibro fog"), or
  • a variety of other symptoms

Fibromyalgia patients may have trouble sleeping, which may add to feeling fatigued. Headaches and jaw pain are common. Patients may have dry eyes or difficulty focusing on nearby objects.

Many patients are very sensitive to odors, bright lights, loud noises, various foods, changes in weather, and medicines. Patients may have feelings of numbness or tingling in parts of the body, such as the legs or feet.

Some patients have urinary problems, including frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, or pain in the bladder. Women with fibromyalgia may have pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, or painful sexual intercourse. Some patients with fibromyalgia may feel dizzy.

Depression or anxiety may occur with fibromyalgia due to ongoing pain and fatigue, frustration with the condition, or a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Review Date: 
April 17, 2012
Last Updated:
August 8, 2014
Source:
dailyrx.com