The variety and severity of symptoms caused
by
fibromyalgia vary from person to person. Widespread,
chronic pain—often described as deep or burning—is the most common symptom.
Pain is considered to be widespread if it is above and below your waist, and on
the right and left sides of your body. Fibromyalgia pain is more common in the
trunk, neck, low back, hips, and shoulders, and it is
rare in the hands and feet. It usually develops gradually and can interfere
with even simple daily activities.
Other symptoms that can occur
in addition to pain include:1, 2
- Fatigue that interferes with work and daily
activities.
- Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep,
waking up feeling tired).
- Morning stiffness lasting less than an
hour.
- Headaches.
- Constipation or diarrhea related to
irritable bowel syndrome.
- Memory problems
and difficulty concentrating.
- Anxiety or depression.
Fibromyalgia can sometimes feel like the
flu. You may experience body aches, tiredness, and
intestinal problems. The pain in your joints and muscles may be especially
bothersome at night, waking you from sleep, or in the morning, when you may
feel very stiff and sore. You may have trouble concentrating because of
fatigue. Symptoms can last from days to months or years.
People
with fibromyalgia have periods when their symptoms become worse and periods
when they have milder or no symptoms. Flare-ups of fatigue and muscle and joint
aches are common, especially following physical or emotional stress. Many
people with fibromyalgia report that cold or damp weather, poor sleep, fatigue,
stress, or overexertion makes their pain worse.
Because symptoms
of fibromyalgia are similar to so many other disorders, your doctor may try to
rule out
other conditions with similar symptoms before he or she can properly diagnose
fibromyalgia. In some cases, you may have another condition in addition to
fibromyalgia.
Last Updated: October 30, 2007