Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects millions of people, many of whom don’t realize that they have it. It is often misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome or some other type of condition.

If you are experiencing pain, fatigue, or other symptoms that you can’t explain, then you might be living with fibromyalgia. In this article, we will discuss some of the signs of fibromyalgia that are often ignored.

Widespread Pain

Widespread pain is one of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia. If you have pain in multiple areas of your body, and it has been ongoing for more than three months, then you may be experiencing fibromyalgia.

The pain can be described as a dull ache, or it can be sharp and shooting. You might also feel tenderness when pressure is applied to certain areas of your body. The most common areas where fibromyalgia patients experience pain are in the neck, shoulders, hips, and lower back.

Physical Exhaustion and Mental Fatigue

Fibromyalgia can cause physical exhaustion and mental fatigue. You might feel tired even after getting a full night’s sleep, and you might find that you have trouble staying alert during the day.

Mental fatigue can make it difficult to concentrate, and you might find that you forget things more easily than you used to. If you feel like you’re always tired, even after resting, then you should talk to your doctor about whether fibromyalgia could be the cause.

Sleep Disorders

Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or insomnia. Sleep apnea is a condition where you stop breathing momentarily while you sleep, and it can be very dangerous if left untreated.

Insomnia is when you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. If you’re experiencing sleep disorders, especially coupled with other symptoms on this list, then you should talk to your doctor about fibromyalgia.

Morning Stiffness

If you feel stiff when you wake up, and it takes you a while to get moving in the morning, then you might have fibromyalgia. This morning stiffness can be due to the pain and fatigue that you experience while sleeping.

It could also be caused by inflammation in your joints, which is common in fibromyalgia patients. If your stiffness lasts for more than an hour after waking up, then you should talk to your doctor to see if fibromyalgia could be the cause.

Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and migraines are common in people with fibromyalgia. These headaches can be chronic, and they can be described as a dull ache or a sharp pain.

Migraines are a more severe type of headache that can cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If you’re experiencing headaches or migraines that you can’t explain, then you should talk to your doctor about whether fibromyalgia could be the culprit.

Numbness and Tingling

Fibromyalgia can cause numbness and tingling in your limbs. This is due to the inflammation in your joints that often accompanies this condition.

Numbness and tingling can be a sign of many other conditions, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the digestive system. Many people with fibromyalgia also suffer from IBS. Symptoms of IBS include cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation.

If you’re experiencing digestive problems, especially along with other symptoms on this list, then you should talk to your doctor about whether fibromyalgia could be the cause.

Sensitivity to Temperature and Touch

Fibromyalgia can cause sensitivity to temperature and touch. You might feel like you’re always cold, even when others are comfortable. You might also find that certain textures or fabrics are uncomfortable against your skin.

These sensitivities can be due to the way that fibromyalgia affects your nervous system.

Anxiety and Depression

Fibromyalgia can cause anxiety and depression. Living with constant pain, fatigue, and other symptoms can take a toll on your mental health.

If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression, especially coupled with other symptoms on this list, then you should talk to your doctor about whether fibromyalgia could be the cause.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if you have multiple symptoms on this list, then you should talk to your doctor about whether fibromyalgia could be the cause.

While fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, early treatment can help to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.