What type of pain does fibromyalgia cause?
Common types of pain felt by people with fibromyalgia include ongoing and widespread muscle and soft tissue pain, joint pain, and stiffness that is not due to any specific muscle or joint damage. Pain can occur throughout the day and night but the intensity can vary. People may complain of feeling sick like they have a virus (the flu or bad cold) or they may experience frequent headaches.
The term fibromyalgia literally means “pain in your muscles and fibrous tissues” (such as the tendons and ligaments). Pain due to fibromyalgia is felt throughout the body and it can move from one part of the body to another. Pain can occur in various areas, such as the shoulders, neck, back, legs and chest or breast area.
Fibromyalgia symptoms may vary from person to person. Many people experience a wide range of symptoms throughout the day. Common symptoms include:
- a deep muscle ache
- a sharp or burning pain
- a throbbing sensation
- soreness
- stiffness
- numbness or tingling sensations in the arms and legs
- joint pain
- fatigue
Inflammation (pain due to swelling) does not typically occur with fibromyalgia, and common NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen have not been proven effective. The joints are not affected, although many people feel like the pain starts in their joints. There are no lumps with the pain points.
Stiffness of muscles and joints is most noticeable in the morning and after a period of rest. This level of stiffness can interfere with work and daily activities such as driving.
People with fibromyalgia also have tender points, which are specific spots on the body that are painful to the touch. Common tender points are found around the:
- elbows
- shoulders
- knees
- hips
- back of the head
- sides of the breast bone
Is feeling tired (fatigue) common in fibromyalgia?
Fatigue, a state of mental and physical exhaustion, is experienced by up to 90% of people with this condition. The level of fatigue can vary from person to person, from being hardly noticeable to severe and can disrupt daily activities.
Some people report that their fatigue is more distressing than their pain, and it interferes with their ability to work, go to school or enjoy life. Some experts believe that if a person does not have sleep problems, the condition may not be due to fibromyalgia.
Many patients complain that they can't get to sleep or stay asleep, and they feel tired when they wake up. People with fibromyalgia often lack the deep restorative stages of sleep. Sleep apnea (when the person frequently stops breathing for short periods while sleeping) may occur in people with this condition.
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What other painful symptoms occur with fibromyalgia?
Restless legs syndrome (an uncontrollable urge to move the legs) and periodic limb movement disorder (repeated muscle jerks when falling asleep) can also occur and prevent a restful sleep.
Stomach problems, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea or constipation and stomach pain can occur.
Headaches or migraine headaches may be frequently experienced.
Pain in the bladder with urinary urgency and frequency or pelvic pain may be symptoms, but no urinary tract infection is present.
Patients may have symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, which involves trouble with jaw movement, a clicking or popping sound, and a grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. TMJ can include pain of a feeling of fullness in the ear, pain while chewing, and locking of the temporomandibular joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
What triggers fibromyalgia pain?
Triggers that may worsen fibromyalgia pain may include a change in weather (cold or damp conditions), increase in stress or anxiety, noise, too much activity and lack of sleep. The amount of pain experienced can vary throughout the day.
There is no specific medical test for fibromyalgia, which can make a diagnosis difficult. Blood tests, imaging tests like X-rays, and other types of tests are usually normal in people with fibromyalgia.
Related: Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia
This is not all the information you need to know about fibromyalgia and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Discuss any medical questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Bhargava J, Hurley JA. Fibromyalgia. [Updated 2022 Oct 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540974/
- Fibromylagia. Jan 25, 2024. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Accessed Oct 24, 2024 at https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/fibromyalgia/
- Goldenberg D (author). Patient education: Fibromyalgia (Beyond the Basics). Up to Date. Updated May 19, 2023. Accessed June 3, 2023 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fibromyalgia-beyond-the-basics
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