Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The experience of intense, chronic neck pain, neck pain shoulders, back pain, and pain in the hips primarily, and chronic fatigue are the key symptoms of fibromyalgia, formerly known as fibrositis. Areas of tenderness can lead to widespread, systemic, pain when touched, with muscles going into spasm. Specific tender points are commonly found in the shoulders, knees, hips, back of the head, sides of the breastbone, and the elbows. Patients generally feel worse when first waking, with muscle stiffness, neck stiffness and pain, and may struggle with mobility. Some sufferers require the use of a walking stick or frame to get around, and many are confined to a chair or their bed for a large part of the day. Some patients with a milder form of the condition remain active and are simply watchful of their known limits; not engaging in energetic sports for instance, going on long hikes, or lifting heavy objects for example. Pain may be aggravated by changes in the weather, emotional stress, and noise.

Fibromyalgia is Different

The condition differs from arthritis in that the pain is in the ligaments and muscles rather than the joints of the body. It can be experienced as a burning neck pain, throbbing, aching pain, similar to that experienced as a symptom of influenza. Body temperature scans of fibromyalgia patients reveal intense heat in the back, neck, shoulders, and hips which is where the pain is most frequently felt. The condition is not normally connected to inflammation of the tissues, however, meaning that permanent damage is not occurring in the majority of cases.

Fibrofog is another symptom of fibromyalgia and is reported as a haziness similar to dementia, with patients losing the ability to concentrate, suffering memory loss, and depression in some cases. Headaches, dizziness, numbness, and problems with the digestive system all occur in this condition.

Last Updated: 10/04/2010