It may stay all the time or come and go. For some, the pain gets worse in cold weather or at night. Many people with fibromyalgia are also more sensitive to touch, sounds, and temperature. Sleep problems can make tiredness worse. Since fibromyalgia is different for everyone, treatment helps with pain and makes life easier. Exercise, medicine, and small changes in daily life can help. Finding the right treatment takes time, but support from family, friends, and doctors is very important.
What Exactly Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is not well understood. It is classified as a central sensitization disorder. This means the nervous system does not work properly. It makes normal feelings, like touch or movement, feel painful. The body reacts too strongly to things that should not cause pain. People with fibromyalgia may feel pain even when there is no injury. The nervous system sends the wrong signals to the brain. This can cause aching, burning, or tingling feelings. The pain can happen all over the body or in certain areas. It can also come and go or last a long time. Other symptoms may include tiredness and sleep problems. Doctors are still learning about fibromyalgia and how to treat it. Finding the right treatment can take time, but support and care can help.
Describing Fibromyalgia Pain
Fibromyalgia is different from other conditions because doctors diagnose it based on how a person describes their pain. This can make it hard to diagnose since pain feels different for everyone.
Pain intensity varies from person to person. Some feel constant sharp pain, while others feel a dull ache. For those with severe fibromyalgia, even a light touch or a cool breeze can cause strong pain.
Pain can be all over the body or in certain areas. It may also move from one place to another, sometimes changing throughout the day.
The pain feels different for everyone. Some describe it as aching, burning, tingling, throbbing, or stabbing. Others say it feels like pins-and-needles or a deep, pounding pain.
Certain things can trigger pain, like weather changes or waking up in the morning. Sometimes, pain happens suddenly without a clear reason.
Fibromyalgia “Tender Points”
Some people think fibromyalgia causes pain in certain spots called “tender points,” but this is not true. In the past, doctors checked 18 spots to help diagnose it. These spots showed pain levels but were not the cause of pain. Pressing on them might hurt, but they do not always hurt on their own. Fibromyalgia causes pain all over the body, not just in these spots. Over time, doctors changed how they diagnose it. Now, they look at overall pain, tiredness, and other symptoms.
15 Other Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is more than pain. It happens when the brain sends wrong signals. It can affect muscles, the stomach, and eyes. People feel very tired and can’t sleep well. Headaches and brain fog make thinking hard. Many feel sad, annoyed, or nervous. Some have restless legs and can’t relax. Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells can feel too much. Muscles cramp, and joints feel stiff or sore. Some have stomach problems like nausea, constipation, and gas. Period pain can also happen. Symptoms are different for everyone, so writing them down helps. Tracking pain and what makes it worse helps doctors. This makes treatment easier. With good care, people can feel better.
Comorbid Medical Conditions
Many people think fibromyalgia is like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It can also happen with mental health issues like anxiety, panic, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. This shows that emotions can affect pain. Stress, worry, and sadness can make pain worse.Since fibromyalgia affects both the body and mind, both need care. Doctors recommend treatments for pain and emotions. Understanding this helps manage symptoms better. Learning to stay calm can make daily life easier. Taking care of mental health is just as important as treating pain.
How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
When you talk to your doctor about symptoms like these, they might be skeptical, especially if they’ve never dealt with fibromyalgia before. Fibromyalgia is tricky to diagnose, as doctors have to rule out other causes first.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by eliminating other possible conditions. That means your doctor will need to check for and rule out other problems before making a diagnosis.
It’s important to be patient and open when you speak with your doctor. You might feel your symptoms match fibromyalgia, but many other conditions can cause similar pain. Some of these include:
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PR)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
If your doctor isn’t familiar with these conditions, they can refer you to a specialist who is, like a rheumatologist.
A Word From Verywell
Fibromyalgia shares many symptoms with other conditions, so while it’s good to learn about what might be causing your symptoms, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. It’s easy to think you know what’s going on, but many conditions can feel similar to fibromyalgia. The best approach is to stay open-minded and be patient. Work with your healthcare provider, even if the diagnostic process feels long or frustrating. The key is to focus on getting an accurate diagnosis. This will help you find the right treatment that works for you. It’s normal to feel unsure at times, but staying patient and working together with your doctor is the best way forward. The more you understand the process, the better you’ll feel about getting the care you need. Trust the process, even when it takes time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of fibromyalgia?
The first signs of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but common early symptoms include aching, fatigue, and non-restful sleep. Many people also experience burning pain, as well as pins and needles. Pounding pain is another symptom that can occur, along with overall soreness. These symptoms may come and go, sometimes becoming more intense. It’s important to notice any changes in how your body feels. If you experience these signs, it’s best to consult a doctor for further guidance.
Where do you hurt with fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia affects people in different ways, but there are common areas where pain is often felt. These tender spots include the back of the head, sides of the neck, and hips. Pain may also be felt in the inner elbows, above the inner knee, and at the top of the shoulders. The upper back near the shoulder blades, upper buttocks, and upper chest can also be tender. These spots are important for diagnosing fibromyalgia. If you feel pain in these areas, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.