Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:

While the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be debilitating, they are not life threatening. Symptoms vary, depending on stress level, physical activity, time of day, and the weather. Pain is the primary symptom, found in virtually 100% of cases—specifically, pain and tenderness in certain areas of the body when pressure is applied to them. These areas, which sometimes are called tender points, include:

• Back of the head

• Elbows

• Hips

• Knees

• Neck

• Upper back

• Upper chest

Pain may be aching, burning, throbbing, or move around the body (migratory). Many patients also experience muscle tightness, soreness, and spasms. The patient 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:

• 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