4 Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia sufferers complain of many symptoms that cause discomfort throughout the entire body. Here are 4 common symptoms of fibromyalgia…
1. Pain
I’m sure pain was not a hard symptom to guess. An estimated 5.8 million people in the United States are suffering from Fibromyalgia pain. This is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia and usually gives continuous stabbing pain throughout the entire body.
Of course everyone is different when it come to Fibro pain. Some report suffering from pain only at certain times—for example, if the weather is cold, if it is raining outside or stress levels are high. While some others feel it primarily in certain areas of the body like in the legs for example.
2. Joint & Muscle Stiffness
Many fibromyalgia patients suffer from stiffness in the muscles and joints. Usually in the morning the stiffness is at it’s worst, also if they sit for an extended period of time.
3. Exhaustion / Chronic Fatigue
Have you ever heard some one tell you ” If you just get some rest you will feel better ” ? Well if you suffer from fibro I am sure sometimes you wish you could just punch that person in the face. One common symptom of fibro is exhaustion, even after extended periods of rest. You never quite feel like you get the rest you needed. It is really hard to get true deep sleep when dealing with all your other symptoms.
It is all very common for fibromyalgia patients to suffer from insomnia, usually caused by the constant pain. Even mild fatigue can cause the immune system and energy levels to drop.
4. Trouble Concentrating / Brain Fog / Fibro Fog
Having a hard time concentrating? Welcome to the daily life of the average fibro sufferers! This is not any fun, and even though the pain is horrible, fatigue sucks, joint stiffness is no fun, Brain Fog for some is the worst symptom. Many complain that not be able to think straight makes them feel like that are going crazy.
What Are the Other Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
In addition to pain, chronic fatigue, other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- abdominal pain
- anxiety and depression
- chronic headaches
- dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes
- hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
- inability to concentrate (called “fibro fog”)
- incontinence
- sensitivity to touch
- irritable bowel syndrome
- numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
- painful menstrual cramps
- painful trigger points
- poor circulation in hands and feet (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
- restless legs syndrome
That sounds like a lot of bad news!
I hope you didn’t expect a sunshine and rainbows when describing fibro symptoms. The good news is we have devoted this site to finding and sharing the best treatments, resources, diets and more to help you with your fibro journey.
We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Did we miss a common symptom? How to do fight back against these?
STAY STRONG FIBRO FRIENDS 
References: http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-and-fatigue, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=symptoms, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibromyalgia
About Author
Ryan Tomlinson | Website | Twitter
I am a Father of 2 wonderful boys and husband to my beautiful wife. My wife was Assessed with fibromyalgia and has been in a lot of pain. I started this blog as place to share my research on fibro diets and treatments. We have decided not to claim this condition and try to beat it naturally. The site is for me and my family just as much as it is for you. I hope these articles help in some small way!
hi there im sorry your wife has this nasty fibro i also have it to what is some of the treatment that your wife does to comfort her self
Hey Tammy,
Thanks for your comment and kind words. I am sorry for you as well dealing with this condition. She does many things but most recently a couple things that have been helping some is “Two Old Goats Lotion ” and ” Omron Electro Therapy Machine “. If pain is your #1 symptom these are some issue non prescription ways you could try. Of course consult with your Doctor First. You can find the Electro therapy machine at walmart for about $40 but you can also order online at amazon, ebay, etc. Two Old Goats is only online as far as I know. You can find it on amazon and eBay as well. Of course you could have probably guessed by the website title, we also feel diet plays a big role. She tries to go gluten free as often as she cans and that seems to help as well.
Also here are the links to articles on the Lotion and Machine if you are interested in more info.
http://www.myfibromyalgiadiet.com/2013/11/30/omron-electro-therapy-machine-joint-and-muscle-pain-relief/
http://www.myfibromyalgiadiet.com/2013/11/13/two-old-goats-lotion-fibromyalgia/
Stay Strong!
Off the top of my head you missed out vaginismus/vulvodynia, sensitivity to touch, and memory problems. Almost ironically forgot the last one there… I must point out though that pretty much 100% of Fibro patients will have pain symptoms, since that is the main diagnosis factor, and was almost the sole diagnosis using trigger points up until 2010.
Hey Cid,
Thanks for the comment. Do you think Sensitivity to touch would be in the top 4 of most fibro sufferers? Just wondering. Yes, Pain is no surprise to fibro patients. This post will be seen by those without fibro as well, and they should know that if there are not having pain and some told them they have this condition they are most likely mistaken. How were diagnosed? Did you have to do the point test?
I appreciate your input and sharing your thoughts.
Thank you so much I’m going to look in this got to find some!thing
My pleasure, I hope it helps. I forgot to mention she really likes pouring Epsom salt into a warm bath. That helps some. She also takes valerian root herbs at night to help her anxiety and rest.