It is not easy to detect fibromyalgia. This is a disease that does not have many visible symptoms. Most fibromyalgia symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, are hard to see. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are also similar to those of other conditions. For this reason, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and find the treatment you need.
Read on to learn how to recognize fibromyalgia
Pain
Pain is a constant presence in fibromyalgia. It feels like the pain is starting in the muscles, but there are no signs of tissue damage. She is often described as deaf.
People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive than usual to the sensation of pain or the stimuli that cause it. Discomfort is usually felt throughout the body and can be made worse by many factors, including stress and lack of sleep.
The fibro fog
Do you sometimes feel like you can’t clear your head? Confusion, difficulty concentrating and remembering are all associated with fibro fog, a feeling that people with fibromyalgia sometimes experience. The causes of fibro fog are unclear, but they could be related to the effects of pain on the brain or a lack of sleep.
restless legs
Fibromyalgia pain isn’t the only sleep-robbing symptom of this condition. Many people with fibromyalgia experience a crawling sensation in their legs at night. This feeling is so uncomfortable that it makes you want to move, which wakes you up from a deep sleep. The resulting lack of sleep can have a real impact on your ability to function the next day. Learn more about Restless Leg Syndrome.
Drowsiness and fatigue
When you’re in pain, it’s harder to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. People with fibromyalgia are also more likely to suffer from conditions that interrupt their sleep, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Even when you can sleep, you have less deep rapid eye movement (REM) sleep which helps your body recover. Long nights spent lying awake or tossing and turning can lead to morning fatigue.
migraine attacks
A 2015 survey found that 55.8% of people with fibromyalgia had migraines. During a migraine attack, your head throbs, and you may have a stomach ache and vomit. Some people are so sensitive to light and sound during a migraine attack that they have to turn off all the lights and lie in a dark room until their headache subsides.
Sensitivity to stimuli
When you have fibromyalgia, the world can be a loud, bright, and painful place. Fibromyalgia makes you more sensitive to sound, light, and touch. The slightest pressure on your skin can make you scream in pain, and you might want to plug your ears in loud situations, like concerts. Some people are also sensitive to temperature changes.
Rashes and other skin symptoms
In some cases, fibromyalgia can cause a rash. This is one of the few outward symptoms of the disease. The rash may be itchy. Fibromyalgia can also cause other skin-related symptoms, such as dryness or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
When you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), knowing where the nearest restroom is can become a big concern. IBS affects the large intestine and can unexpectedly cause:
– abdominal pain
– bloating
– gases
– diarrhea
This condition is more common in people with fibromyalgia and can seriously affect your daily life if left untreated.
Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
Some people with fibromyalgia also have a condition called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. TMJ causes pain in the jaw area.
If you have this syndrome, you will notice that your jaw makes clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth. You may find it difficult to fully open your mouth to chew or speak. Sometimes TMJ also causes headaches and pain around the ears.
What you need to know about tender points
Tender points (or trigger points) are places on the body that hurt when pressed firmly. They can be located at the back of the:
– of the head
– shoulders
– elbows
– hips
– knees
Tender points were once thought to be the hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia. Doctors would diagnose fibromyalgia if you felt discomfort in at least 11 out of 18 possible spots. In 2016, the American College of Rheumatology revised its diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. Now, healthcare professionals no longer examine tender points before making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Instead, they consider whether you have musculoskeletal pain in five possible regions.
Fibromyalgia can be like many other illnesses. Therefore, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. However, if you suffer from chronic pain, a correct diagnosis is essential to improve your quality of life. Fibromyalgia is not fatal, but it can have serious and lasting effects, especially if left untreated. If you have some of the above symptoms and suspect you have fibromyalgia, consider seeing a doctor. They can help you find the treatment you need.
