Fibromyalgia

Home » Fibromyalgia » Fibromyalgia Signs and Symptoms

Fibromyalgia Signs and Symptoms

While fibromyalgia symptoms can be debilitating, they are not life threatening. Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary, depending on the person's stress level, physical activity, and other factors (e.g., time of day, weather conditions). Pain is the primary symptom and is found in virtually 100% of cases. Fibromyalgia pain and tenderness occurs in certain areas of the body when pressure is applied. These areas, which are called tender points, include the following:

• Back of the head
• Elbows
• Hips
• Knees
• Neck
• Upper back
• Upper chest

Fibromyalgia pain can be aching, burning, throbbing, and can move around the body (migratory pain). Many patients also experience muscle tightness, soreness, and spasms. People with fibromyalgia may be unable to carry out normal daily activities, even though muscle strength is not affected. The pain is often worse in the morning, improves throughout the day, and worsens at night.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition and symptoms may be constant or intermittent for years or even a lifetime. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include the following:

• Sleep disorders (e.g., restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea)
• Gastrointestinal (e.g., abdominal pain, bloating, gas, cramps, alternating diarrhea and constipation)
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Chronic headaches (may include facial and jaw pain)
• Heightened sensitivity to odors, loud noises, bright lights, various foods, medicines, and changes in weather
• Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea) and painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Frequent urination, strong urge to urinate, and painful urination (dysuria)
• Rapid or irregular heart rate, and shortness of breath
• Sensation of swelling (edema) in the hands and feet, even though swelling is not present

© 1998-2010 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Fibromyalgia Resources

	Join Our Fibromyalgia Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar.