Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms. Given how its symptoms can be misdiagnosed, it’s helpful to research this information online before consulting a doctor.
It can affect anyone, but it’s most commonly found in women. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, and treatment options are often limited. If you’re experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia, it’s important to seek medical help.
Pain
Pain is the defining symptom of fibromyalgia, and it can present itself in different ways and different parts of the body. It can be stabbing pain, continuous aching, or localized to one or more areas of the body. Fibromyalgia pain can have no apparent cause or be triggered by weather changes or stress.
Sensitivity to Touch
Most fibromyalgia patients experience hyperesthesia and hyperalgesia, an increased sensitivity to the sensory input of touch and an increase in pain sensation. These symptoms can be so severe that the patient is functionally unable to participate in routine activities.
Environmental Sensitivity
People with fibromyalgia are often strongly affected by environmental influences, even ones that seem minor to most other people. Such symptoms usually involve the patient’s senses of smell, sound, and sight.
Muscle Stiffness
Fibromyalgia can also cause feelings of stiffness in muscles. This stiffness can be generalized throughout the body or localized to one or more muscle groups.
Joint Stiffness
Another common symptom of fibromyalgia is stiffness in joints and connective tissues. The patient might notice pain, swelling, and tenderness in certain joints with no reasonable cause.
Muscle Spasms
Fibromyalgia patients tend to experience extreme spasms, even after medical investigations uncover no root physical cause for them.
Exhaustion
Chronic fatigue and exhaustion also occur in a large percentage of fibromyalgia patients. This fatigue and exhaustion are core symptoms of the condition and occur for no other reason.
Trouble Concentrating
Memory and concentration also seem to be affected by fibromyalgia. Patients have a hard time retaining information, recalling newly learned facts and skills, and tend to find it very difficult to sustain concentration for an extended period of time.
Depression
From an emotional and psychological standpoint, people with fibromyalgia are at increased risk of developing chronic depression. This depression results from having to deal with constant pain, loss of sleep, lack of energy, and being forced to give up activities the patient once enjoyed.
Trouble Sleeping
Many who struggle with fibromyalgia find it challenging to fall asleep at night and struggle with staying asleep once they do. Patients often experience disruptions in sleep and wake up often during the night without cause.
Find Relief Today
Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging, but with the right medical care and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage the symptoms and enjoy a fulfilling life. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve discussed, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
With their help, you can develop a plan that’s tailored to your needs and designed to help you manage your pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence. There is help available, and with the right care and support, you can take control of your health and well-being.