Fibromyalgia symptoms

Fibromyalgia symptoms can be wide-ranging, often mimicking those of other health conditions that cause pain and fatigue. This overlap can make diagnosis challenging, especially since symptoms may come and go—or change in intensity from day to day. One hallmark feature, however, is that the pain tends to be widespread, travelling throughout the body. In fact, almost everyone living with fibromyalgia reports aching all over.

Here’s a closer look at the common symptoms of fibromyalgia:

1. Widespread Pain

This is the most defining symptom. People often describe the pain as:

• A deep, persistent ache that feels like burning, soreness, throbbing, or gnawing.
• Affecting multiple areas of the body at once—commonly the arms, legs, back, chest, abdomen, neck, shoulders, and buttocks.
• Similar to arthritis, though unlike arthritis, fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to joints or tissues.

The pain is usually constant, lasting for at least three months, and may become worse with physical activity, stress, or changes in weather.

2. Fatigue

Even after a full night’s rest, people with fibromyalgia often feel exhausted. This fatigue can:

• Make it difficult to perform daily activities.
• Feel overwhelmed and unrelieved by rest.
• Lead to a lack of motivation, mental sluggishness, or emotional distress.

3. Sleep Problems

Many people with fibromyalgia struggle with:

• Falling or staying asleep.
• Restless legs syndrome (a constant urge to move the legs at night).
• Sleep apnoea, which can interrupt breathing during sleep.

Sleep is often non-restorative, meaning you may wake up feeling as though you haven’t slept at all.

4. Cognitive Difficulties (“Fibro Fog”)

This includes:

• Trouble focusing or paying attention.
• Difficulty remembering names, dates, or everyday details.
• A sense of mental cloudiness, making decision-making or multitasking harder than usual.

5. Additional Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a multi-system condition, meaning it may affect more than just your muscles and joints. Other symptoms may include:

• Headaches or migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Bladder control issues or increased frequency
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Anxiety and depression
• Dizziness, balance issues, or clumsiness
• Temperature sensitivity
• Heightened sensitivity to light, noise, or odours

Symptom Fluctuation

Fibromyalgia symptoms can flare up or ease off over time. Physical stress, emotional distress, changes in routine, or weather shifts can all act as triggers. Some people experience good days, while others may go through extended periods of worsened symptoms.

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There is no single test to confirm fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and by ruling out other medical conditions. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptom severity and improving quality of life, but it’s important to note that symptoms may not fully go away.