top of page

35 Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

FREE RESOURCE: Fibromyalgia Symptoms Checklist (within our free e-book!)


What Conditions Are Associated With Fibromyalgia?


When looking at symptoms, we need to keep in mind the common comorbidities of fibromyalgia, as many of the symptoms overlap. The term comorbidity refers to the presence of more than one disorder in the same person. Fibromyalgia's common comorbidities include:

  • irritable bowel syndrome

  • chronic fatigue syndrome

  • tension or migraine headaches

  • temporomandibular disorder

  • hypothyroidism

  • major depressive disorder

  • rheumatoid arthritis

  • systemic lupus erythematosus


Most Common Symptoms

  • Widespread pain

  • Fatigue/unrefreshed sleep

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Cognitive fog


Pain & Stiffness Related Symptoms

  • Widespread muscle aches

  • Tenderness to the touch

  • Headaches

  • Migraine or tension headaches

  • Jaw pain/TMJ disorder

  • Abdominal pain

  • Pelvic pain

  • Tender lymph nodes

  • Sore throat


Sleep Related Symptoms

  • Fatigue

  • Insomnia

  • Difficulty staying asleep


Cognitive Related Symptoms

  • Brain fog (referred to as "fibro fog")

  • Thinking difficulties

  • Poor concentration

  • Poor memory


Eyes/Ears/Nose Symptoms

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Dry eyes, nose

  • Ringing ears

  • Sensitivity to sound


Digestive Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Bloating

  • Gas

  • Nausea

  • Dry mouth


Pelvic Symptoms

  • Pelvic pain

  • Bladder irritation

  • Incontinence

  • Irritable or overactive bladder

  • Painful menstrual cramps


Other Symptoms

  • Restless legs

  • Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat

  • Poor temperature control

  • Numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet

  • Coordination problems (unexplained clumsiness or poor control of body movement)


Making Sense of Fibromyalgia Symptoms


When thinking about the randomness of these symptoms, it's essential to think about fibromyalgia as what it is: abnormal processing of the central nervous system. Therefore, all parts of the body are impacted, not just the musculoskeletal system, as once believed. To learn more about the science behind fibromyalgia, head over to this blog post: How to Reduce Your Fibromyalgia Pain in 30 Minutes.















 

Sources

Clauw, D. (2015). Fibromyalgia and related conditions. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(5), 680–692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.014


Goldenberg, L. (2008). Understanding fibromyalgia and its related disorders. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry, 10(2), 133–144. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v10n0208


Imrie, R. (2017). Fibromyalgia. InnovAiT, 10(1), 45–50. https://doi.org/10.1177/1755738016638865


Kengen Traska, T., Rutledge, D. N., Mouttapa, M., Weiss, J., & Aquino, J. (2012). Strategies used for managing symptoms by women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(5‐6), 626-635. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03501.x

Lichtenstein, A., Tiosano, S., & Amital, H. (2018). The complexities of fibromyalgia and its comorbidities. Current opinion in rheumatology, 30(1), 94–100. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000464


Wolfe, F., Clauw, D. J., Fitzcharles, M. A., Goldenberg, D. L., Häuser, W., Katz, R. L., Mease, P. J., Russell, A. S., Russell, I. J., & Walitt, B. (2016). 2016 Revisions to the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 46(3), 319–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2016.08.012

 

Disclaimer

Fibromyalgia is not a "one size fits all" diagnosis. What works for some doesn't work for others. The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Should you have any health-related questions, please consult your physician or other health care provider promptly.

 

Teresa & Hannah are fellow fibromyalgia warriors. Teresa is a certified dietary manager and wellness coach. Hannah is an occupational therapist. Together, we're a mother-daughter duo on a mission to empower others to fight against fibro.


Opmerkingen


Join the conversation!

We love starting discussions, not fires. Post with kindness.

bottom of page