Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is chronic condition characterized by a widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. There are many signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. The signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are much similar to those of myofascial pain syndrome and chronic fatique syndrome. It is often seen that the people suffering from fibromyalgia will have other associated conditions and symptoms. Fibromyalgia is considered as a syndrome and not a disease due to its overlapping symptoms.

The signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person and depend on the physical activity of a person, weather and stress. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may be unbearable but they are not life threatening.

Given below is the list of signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia.

• Widespread Pain: Widespread pain is the primary symptom found in nearly 100 percent of the fibromyalgia sufferers. The pain is felt in specific areas of the body when pressure is applied to them. Pain can spread to upper back and neck, elbows, back of your head, upper chest, knees and hips. The pain is worse in the morning and sometimes persists even for monthsand is often accompanied by stiffness.
• Fatigue and Sleeping Problems: Fatigue is a common symptom of fibromyaglia and is more troubling than the pain. People with fibromyalgia feel totally drained of energy and often wake up tired even after having a plenty of sleep. People with fibromyalgia have an abnormal sleep pattern.
• Chronic Headaches and Facial pain: Chronic headaches and facial pain are common in majority of the fibromyalgia patients and may be associated with neck and shoulder stiffness.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea and bloating are common in fibromyalgia patients.
• Changes in Mood: People with fibromyalgia may get depressed or become anxious at times. A change in mood is often seen in fibromyalgia patients.
• Temperature Sensitivity: People with fibromyalgia may be highly sensitive to temperature. Some of the fibromyalgia patients feel abnormally cold while others feel abnormally warm. Raynaud's Phenomenon, an unusual sensitivity to cold in hands or feet followed by the color changes in the skin can sometimes occur in people with fibromyalgia.
• Cognitive or Memory Impairment: People with fibromyalgia may experience a number of cognitive symptoms that include short-term memory lapses, difficulty in concentrating and remembering the things. These symptoms are reffered to as fibro-fog and can vary from day to day.

The other common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Numbness or tingling sensations in the face, arms, hands, legs or feet.
• Painful menstrual periods
• Painful intercourse
• Frequent urination
• Dizziness
• Heightened sensitivity to odors, noises, bright lights and touch
• Sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Swelling sensation in the hands and feet
• Poor memory
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Fluctuations in weight

Since the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can overlap with musculoskeletal conditions and autoimmune diseases the diagnosis of fibromyalgia becomes difficult. So if you experience any of the above signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia, it is advisable to contact your health care provider.