Understanding 15 Common Sign of Fibromyalgia

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 7, 2024

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Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the muscles and bones, leading to widespread chronic pain and a host of other symptoms. Even though it's not uncommon, fibromyalgia is often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed. This is mainly because some of its symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, making the diagnostic process quite challenging.

Generalized Muscle Pain

The most common and distinctive symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread muscle pain. This pain manifests as a persistent, dull ache that can last for several weeks or even months. Sometimes, it feels similar to the soreness you'd experience after an intense workout or like a pulled muscle. For this chronic pain to be diagnosed as fibromyalgia, it needs to occur on both sides of the body—both above and below the waist—in specific areas known as tender points. According to the American College of Rheumatology, patients must feel pain in at least 11 out of 18 tender points when simple pressure is applied to qualify for a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

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Joint Pain

People with fibromyalgia often experience pain in their elbows, knees, ankles, and shoulders. This pain can be severe enough that they feel the need to consult their doctors. In some instances, this leads to a misdiagnosis of arthritis, especially when the pain isn't localized. However, these joint aches have a distinctive quality that sets fibromyalgia apart: when pressure is applied to the tender points, the pain intensifies considerably. So, if you're noticing this kind of sensitivity, it's worth mentioning to your healthcare provider.

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Fatigue

Another common symptom is constant fatigue during flare-ups of the condition. Individuals may wake up feeling exhausted, leading to lethargy and a lack of energy throughout the day. This fatigue can interfere with daily life, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Working with a doctor to develop exercises and practices can help boost energy levels and manage these symptoms more effectively.

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Disturbed Sleep

Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns are also prevalent among those with fibromyalgia. Chronic pain often prevents deep, restful sleep, and the condition itself tends to interrupt normal sleep cycles. Over time, this lack of sufficient rest adds to the fatigue, exacerbating other symptoms. Doctors may prescribe sleeping medications or suggest sleep hygiene practices to improve sleep quality.

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Brain Fog

Cognitive difficulties, often referred to as "fibro-fog," may accompany fibromyalgia. Individuals might have trouble focusing on tasks or lose track of what's happening around them. The severity of this symptom varies from person to person. Some may notice significant changes in their mental clarity, while others experience mild disruptions that don't severely impact daily functioning.

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Chronic Headaches

Persistent and severe headaches are also common among people with fibromyalgia. These headaches often mimic migraines and are more prevalent in individuals of childbearing age. Many people don't immediately connect their headaches to fibromyalgia, but about 50% of those with the condition experience chronic headaches. Recognizing this link can be a crucial step in managing symptoms more effectively.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be a secondary condition for those with fibromyalgia. Individuals may deal with frequent diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion. Other related issues like flatulence, bloating, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting may also occur. These gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in people who remain undiagnosed and untreated for extended periods. In fact, up to 70% of people with fibromyalgia experience IBS.

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Numbness and Tingling

Some people with fibromyalgia experience numbness and tingling in their limbs or face. This sensation can arise sporadically and without warning, causing unexpected discomfort. In certain cases, the skin may also burn or itch. While these symptoms are particularly hard to treat, they aren't too common among those with fibromyalgia.

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Increased Sensitivity to Stimuli

Interestingly, many individuals with fibromyalgia develop hypersensitivity to various stimuli. Researchers suggest that fibromyalgia may be caused by an "oversensitive" nervous system that overreacts to stimuli like pain, strong smells, or loud noises. People might develop aversions to noise, bright lights, or specific odors. Some become unusually sensitive to foods or medications that never posed a problem before. In rare cases, sensitivity to temperatures or particular weather conditions may also occur.

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Depression

Depression is a common byproduct of fibromyalgia, often leaving individuals feeling sad and anxious for extended periods. Those experiencing fibromyalgia-related depression may describe feeling uninspired and irritable, finding no joy in activities they once enjoyed. This depression is likely associated with chronic pain, a common contributor to depressive disorders in general. It's important to address these feelings with a healthcare provider to find appropriate support and treatment.

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Urinary and Bladder Problems

Urinary, pelvic, and bladder pain are also common in people with fibromyalgia, especially women. Individuals may experience frequent urges to urinate and increased urination, symptoms that can worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle. While the exact reason for this correlation is unclear, it's another symptom that those with fibromyalgia may need to manage.

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Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Women with fibromyalgia often report increased pain severity and fatigue during menstruation. Scientists are still investigating why fibromyalgia is more common in women and why symptoms are exacerbated during certain stages of the menstrual cycle. Those with more severe symptoms—such as sleep disturbances, numerous tender points, and psychological distress—typically experience more severe menstrual symptoms. During menopause, some find that their fibromyalgia symptoms become more prevalent, nearly doubling the risk of chronic pain.

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Skin Irritation

Fibromyalgia can cause various unusual skin sensations. Itching or pruritus can occur intermittently. Some people develop chronic hives due to dysfunction of certain nerve fibers. Burning sensations of the skin and mucous membranes are also common. These skin issues can add another layer of discomfort for those managing fibromyalgia.

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Bruising and Fibromyalgia

Some individuals with fibromyalgia bruise easily. The exact reason isn't entirely clear, but one possible explanation is nutritional deficiencies leading to weakened blood vessels. These fragile veins can collapse easily upon impact, making a person more susceptible to bruising. There may also be an immune system link between bruising and other skin conditions experienced by people with fibromyalgia.

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Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can occur due to poor regulation of body temperature. Some individuals with fibromyalgia sweat heavily, possibly because of autonomic dysfunction within the hypothalamus—the brain area that controls sleep and regulates sweating and other body functions. Temperature fluctuations and sweating can also worsen when experiencing stress, which aggravates not only sweating but also pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.

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