One of the reasons fibromyalgia is not as well understood as it could be is because patients have reported such a wide variety of symptoms. However, there is some consistency, particularly with the primary symptoms.
Primary Fibromyalgia Symptoms
The main or primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
Chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain
This means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, described by sufferers as stabbing and shooting; with deep muscular aches, throbs and twitching, and can pop up on any part of the body.
Fatigue
This means fatigue that is so pronounced that it is almost incapacitating, such that limbs feel like they have weights attached to them.
Disturbed sleep
This may mean one of a number of different sleep disorders, such as alpha-EEG anomaly, sleep apnea, bruxism (grinding the teeth) or restless leg syndrome (RLS)
Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Other symptoms reported by those suffering from fibromyalgia include the list below. Keep in mind that symptom severity differs from person to person and not everyone with fibromyalgia will experience one, a few or all these symptoms:
Headaches
Migraines and tension headaches affect about 70% of patients
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Between 40 and 70% of patients suffer from constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea.
The ?Fibro Fog?
Technically called discognition, the ?Fog? is a common symptom, causing confusion, memory problems, an inability to concentrate, and more.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ, or lockjaw)
As many as one of every four patients suffer from TMJ, which causes severe pain in the jaw, face, and head.
Some additional symptoms, reported with less frequency, include:
- Pelvic pain
- Sensitivity to noise and temperature
- Anxiety and depression
- Skin rashes and sensitivities
- Dry eyes and dry mouth
- Ringing in the ears
- Raynaud's Syndrome (discoloration of the fingers and/or toes)
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Related Resources
Yahoo Health: Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org: Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia Network: Fibromyalgia Symptoms
About.com: Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Related Articles
What is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia Cause
Fibromyalgia Pain
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
News
Google News: Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Blogs
The Fibromyalgia Research Blog
Fibromyalgia and Wellness
