Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.

As a result, it can be challenging to diagnose the condition correctly as its symptoms often overlap with other illnesses.

Although fibromyalgia is classified as a rheumatic disease that causes inflammation, the condition does not cause inflammation like other rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis.

Instead, fibromyalgia is believed to be caused by problems with how your brain and spinal cord process pain signals.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, and not every individual experiences all the symptoms. However, we will explore what some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are and how they affect the body.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Symptom #1: Widespread Pain

Widespread pain is often the most common symptom of fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia typically report a constant achy feeling that occurs on both sides of their body in multiple areas. These areas may include:.

Shoulders
Upper back
Lower back
Neck
Hips
Legs

The pain experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia is often described as a dull ache that lasts at least three months. In some cases, the pain can even feel like a burning or stabbing sensation.

Symptom #2: Fatigue and Sleep Disorders

Fatigue is another common symptom of fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia often report feeling tired even after waking up from a full night’s sleep. Additionally, individuals with fibromyalgia may also experience other sleep disorders such as:.

Insomnia
Sleep Apnea
Restless Leg Syndrome

All these disorders can result in the individual not feeling rested even after sleeping, leading to a higher chance of experiencing fatigue.

Symptom #3: Stiffness

Individuals with fibromyalgia often experience morning stiffness that lasts a few minutes to several hours. This stiffness can make it challenging to move or bend the body, resulting in discomfort.

Symptom #4: Cognitive Issues

Individuals with fibromyalgia often experience cognitive issues, also known as “fibro fog.” This symptom can cause difficulties in thinking, memory loss, and problems with concentration and attention span.

Symptom #5: Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and migraines are also common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Unlike other types of headaches, these headaches can occur at any time and may last for several weeks or even months.

Additionally, fibromyalgia headaches may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness and a feeling of pressure or fullness behind the eyes and in the ear canals.

Symptom #6: Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are two other common symptoms that often occur alongside fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia often experience these conditions due to the chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that can impact their quality of life.

Symptom #7: Digestive Issues

Finally, individuals with fibromyalgia often experience digestive issues such as:.

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea

Research suggests that these digestive issues are linked to fibromyalgia, although it is not clear why this is the case.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.

Although the symptoms can vary from person to person, the most common symptoms include widespread pain, fatigue and sleep disorders, stiffness, cognitive issues, headaches and migraines, depression and anxiety, and digestive issues.