Fibromyalgia is a common chronic disorder that is characterized by widespread pain, among other symptoms. It can cause significant pain and fatigue, interfering with a person’s ability to carry out their daily activities. While the causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, it’s estimated that it affects 5 million Americans ages 18 or older.
Research has shown that fibromyalgia patients typically see several different doctors before receiving their diagnosis. The symptoms of fibromyalgia often mimicked other health issues, which can make it hard to diagnose. Understanding the symptoms can help a patient identify their diagnosis sooner, so they can find a way to manage their pain.
Here are eight signs of fibromyalgia you should never ignore:
1. Body Stiffness
The majority of patients who suffer from fibromyalgia experience body stiffness. This usually occurs in the morning. The stiff feeling is similar to those who suffer from arthritis. It may fade within 10-15 minutes, or it may last most of the day.
2. Abnormal Digestion
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can include constipation, diarrhea and bloating. About 40-70% of patients who are suffering from fibromyalgia experience symptoms similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid Reflux and GERD.
3. Numbness, Swelling Or Tingling
Many fibromyalgia sufferers experience pins and needles sensation. This often occurs in the arms, feet, hands, and legs – a condition known as paraesthesia. For some patients, these sensations might only last a few minutes. For other patients, the sensations can last much longer.
4. Head To Toe Pain
Approximately 97% of patients suffering from fibromyalgia experience pain across their entire body. Fibromyalgia pain is often described as “deep, sharp, throbbing or aching.” This type of pain is often constant and unresponsive to over-the-counter pain medication.
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5. Finger Spasms And Toe Spasms
Arterial spasms of the hands or toes is a fairly common symptom of fibromyalgia. It can result from exposure to cold or stress. The areas that are affected will develop a blue or pale tint. Arterial spasms are also accompanied by pain.
6. Poor Sleep Quality
Fibromyalgia can make it difficult for a patient to get quality sleep. Studies have shown erratic brain activity in fibromyalgia patients during rest. This irregular brain activity, along with pain or stiffness, can cause poor quality sleep.
7. Fibromyalgia Fog
Fibromyalgia sufferers may experience a brain fog. Trouble concentrating and difficulty with short term memory can be symptoms of fibromyalgia. General feelings of confusion, forgetfulness, and lack of mental clarity may also arise.
8. Sensitivity To Temperature
Patients with fibromyalgia often have a difficult time regulating their body temperature. They may feel extreme heat or extreme cold when the temperature hasn’t changed drastically.
Read More: 7 Surprising Facts About Fibromyalgia
Source: fibrowomen.com
I’ve been diagnosed many years ago but nothing has ever been discovered to help us in all this time. Rheumatologist just said nothing can be done as we know so little about it but it will become worse as I get older. It has!!!
Yes fibromyalgia gets worse as we aga. However the arthritis sets in and possibly many have lupus as well. So many organs in our bodies are affected. It is a tough road for sure. At 76 y/o I have discover I problem have lupus. I sadly knew all along fibromyalgia and arthritis was not the only thing destroying my body.
I’m sorry for your chronic illness. I too have Fibromyalgia from Lyme Disease, spent 4 years in bed only to go to doctors and physical therapy. I was diagnosed 30 years ago but always suffered back pain. Now it hurts all over and my neck is really bad. I went to the best Rheumatologist in the country, spent all day in a group session only to hear that there’s no cause and no cure. I went home still in pain and feeling worse after the exam. He suggested physical therapy which I’ve been in for over 30 years but stress and cold weather will exacerbate the condition. I do take pain medication because I need them and I take a sedative at bedtime. IBS is also a problem and severe abdominal pain after eating too much. I walk every day but it’s not always easy some days. They have come out with new medication but I’m on enough and don’t want to be a guinea pig. Hope and pray you feel better. I sympathize with you. I had a great support system, my mom but she passed. My husband and son help me but they don’t know my limitations because I push myself every day just to stay flexible. There’s no comfort in my body, just a lot of pain and I’m depressed like all fibro patients. As I get older I see it’s getting worse so I understand what you mean. Feel Better. Listen to calming music and get a massage when you can. They tell me to stay stress free but maybe they live on another planet? God Bless You!