Fibromyalgia is a complex and chronic disorder that causes pain and stiffness throughout the body, commonly in the muscles and joints. The specific areas of the body that are affected can vary from person to person, however, some common areas of pain include the neck, upper and lower back, hips, shoulders, arms and legs.
As a general rule, you can expect “tender points” to be the main area to be affected. Tender points are pressure-sensitive areas that are located around the joints, including the neck and large muscles of the back, shoulders, arms, and legs.
When you press on these tender points, the person with fibromyalgia will experience pain. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia may include fatigue, certain types of headaches, insomnia and memory problems.
Where is fibromyalgia pain usually felt?
Fibromyalgia pain is usually felt on the body in multiple areas, such as the back, neck, hips, and shoulders. Additionally, fibromyalgia pain is often felt in areas where ligaments and tendons connect to the bone, including knees, elbows, chest, ankles and jaw.
Fibromyalgia can also cause pain in areas that have been injured in the past, such as the back or neck. Additionally, some people experience pain in multiple areas at once, while others experience pain in a single area at different points in time.
The pain associated with fibromyalgia can be dull, aching, stabbing, burning, or even shooting. It can range in intensity from mild to severe depending on its cause and can occur at any time of the day.
Generally, fibromyalgia pain tends to worsen with anxiety, stress, or physical activity.
How do I know if my pain is fibromyalgia?
If you are experiencing a widespread and persistent pain for at least 3 months that is not accompanied by inflammation, this could be a sign of fibromyalgia. Additionally, if your symptoms include fatigue, cognitive issues, and multisite tenderness, it is possible that you are dealing with fibromyalgia.
To determine if your pain is indeed fibromyalgia, it is important to talk with a doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions, do a physical examination, and do tests to rule out other potential causes.
He or she may also refer you to a specialist (often a rheumatologist) to determine if your symptoms suggest fibromyalgia. It is important to note that because fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose on its own, doctors often base the diagnosis on a health history and physical examination.
As fibromyalgia often mimics symptoms of other conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to speak to a specialist who is well-versed in the condition. Once comprehensive tests have been done and other causes can be ruled out, the specialist will be better equipped to give you a correct diagnosis.
What are the 2 most common symptoms of fibromyalgia?
The two most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread body pain and fatigue. Many people with fibromyalgia experience chronic widespread body pain that affects both the muscles and the joints. It can be described as an aching, burning, or shooting pain, which can sometimes be worse in certain areas or points throughout the body.
This pain is often described as an all-over body pain, sometimes resembling the feeling of having a flu-like illness. Individuals with Fibromyalgia who experience body pain usually have more than 11 of 18 specific tender points throughout their body that are very sensitive to the slightest pressure.
Fatigue is the second most common symptom of fibromyalgia and can range in intensity from a mild tiredness, to an overall feeling of extreme exhaustion and debilitating fatigue. Even after long periods of rest or sleep, individuals with fibromyalgia can still feel drained and worn out, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks and activities.
This fatigue is typically worsened by physical or mental activities, and can even be triggered by stress and emotional upsets.
Does fibromyalgia hurt all the time?
No. Fibromyalgia does not necessarily cause constant pain. Each person with fibromyalgia experiences their own unique set of symptoms, and the intensity and duration of the pain can vary greatly between individuals.
It can be sporadic, come and go throughout the day, or can even last for weeks or months at a time. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include muscle and joint pain and increased sensitivity to pressure or temperature.
Additionally, people with fibromyalgia may experience chronic fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, and depression. If you suspect that you have fibromyalgia, it is recommended to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
What do fibromyalgia attacks feel like?
Fibromyalgia attacks can feel like a range of symptoms. Common symptoms include widespread aching and stiffness, fatigue, brain fog, increased sensitivity or pain, and insomnia. Many people who experience an attack also feel increased depression, anxiety, or irritability due to the lack of sleep or pain.
Attacks can range in severity and duration. Some people may experience an acute episode that subsides after a few days, while others may have more chronic symptoms that persist for a longer period of time.
Fibromyalgia pain is unique to each person, but is often described as a deep, burning, and/or dull ache. Pain can range from mild to severe, and is sometimes so disabling that it interferes with normal daily activities.
Other symptoms associated with an attack include headaches and/or migraines, abdominal pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, and tinnitus.
What is the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia?
The most effective treatment for fibromyalgia depends on the individual. Generally, the first line of treatment is medication, such as anti-depressants and anti-seizure drugs, to help reduce the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Exercise and physical therapy are also important components of treatment. Other therapies that may be helpful include cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, massage and acupuncture. Some doctors may also recommend lifestyle modifications such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and avoiding stress or stressful situations.
Additionally, some supplements or herbal remedies may be effective for reducing pain and inflammation. Ultimately, the best treatment for fibromyalgia will depend on the individual’s specific needs and preferences.
Why does fibromyalgia make my back hurt?
Fibromyalgia is an unexplained, chronic disorder that causes widespread pain and tenderness in your body. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia isn’t known, researchers theorize that it is linked to the way your body processes pain signals and how your central nervous system interacts with pain receptors.
This could explain why your back hurts.
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Research suggests that fibromyalgia pain is due to activated “trigger points” in your back muscles. These trigger points can cause pain and stiffness in your back and can even refer pain to other areas of the body.
In addition, a lowered pain threshold in people with fibromyalgia can make you more sensitive to touch and pressure and make your back more likely to hurt.
Other factors that may contribute to back pain in people with fibromyalgia include:
• Poor posture
• Weak core muscles
• Stress
• Poor sleeping patterns
• Lack of exercise
• Inadequate nutrition
So while the exact cause of back pain in people with fibromyalgia isn’t known, it’s suspected that a combination of physical and emotional triggers can worsen the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
It’s important to discuss your back pain with a doctor who can develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. This can include lifestyle modifications, medications, physical therapy, and other treatments designed to make your back feel better.
What can fibro be mistaken for?
Fibromyalgia can be mistaken for a number of other conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, Lyme disease, arthritis, tension headaches, thyroid disorders, multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, chronic infectious mononucleosis, emotional disorders, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
It is often diagnosed by a process of elimination. The key symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain that lasts at least three months, often accompanied by other symptoms such as tenderness, fatigue, muscle spasms and sleep disturbances.
Other conditions that can closely mimic fibromyalgia include psychosomatic pain, Lyme disease, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and peripheral neuropathy. It is important to diagnose the condition involved correctly, as treatment plans differ for each condition.
Is fibromyalgia a muscle or nerve pain?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue in the muscles and joints—but it is not considered a muscle or nerve pain disorder. Although pain caused by fibromyalgia can feel like muscle or nerve pain, it is thought to result from abnormal brain activity that amplifies pain signals, leading to pain throughout the body.
In fact, fibromyalgia was originally known as “fibrositis” because it was thought to be caused by inflammation of the nerves and muscles. However, research suggests that fibromyalgia is not caused by inflammation.
With fibromyalgia, muscle and nerve pain may be the central symptoms, but the underlying cause is not a muscular or neurological problem.