Page Updated: Jan-17-2011

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Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Page oversite by Dr. Wendy Wells

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder, characterized by exhaustion and fatigue, making even the easiest activities challenging. Both mental and physical capabilities become exhausted. People who experience the following symptoms may have fibromyalgia:

• Muscle pain that is widespread
• Fatigue
• Multiple tender points in specific areas of neck, back, shoulders, and hips
• Sleep disturbances
• Morning stiffness
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Anxiety

Tender Point Examination for Fibromyalgia

This exam is based on criteria standardized by the American College of Rheumatology. Accurate application of the exam indicates multiple tender points at characteristic locations shown in the chart to the left.

According to American College of Rheumatology criteria, people with fibromyalgia display pain and tenderness in eleven of the eighteen specific tender point locations, and includes a history of widespread chronic pain, lasting for more than three months.

Presently there are no laboratory tests available for diagnosing fibromyalgia. Healthcare professionals currently rely on medical history, reported symptoms, and a physical tender point examination.

Additional Fibromyalgia Symptoms:

• Irritable bowel and bladder
• Headaches and migraines
• Restless legs syndrome
• Impaired memory and concentration
• Skin sensitivities and rashes
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Anxiety, depression
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Raynaud's syndrome
• Neurological symptoms
• Impaired coordination.

Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia pain is described as a deep muscular ache that can throb, twitch, stab, and shoot. Muscles can be numb, tingle and burn. Fibromyalgia pain and stiffness often increase during the morning. Triggers that can affect pain include cold or humid weather, lack of sleep, excessive physical or mental activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress.

Sleep Problems

Fibromyalgia can interrupt and preventing deep, restorative sleep. Researchers have found that fibromyalgia patients receive limited REM sleep. Wakeful brain activity, associated with Fibromyalgia, can limit the restorative sleep phase, also known as, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

Sleep Management

Start a healthy sleep regimen:

• Go to bed and wake up at consistent times each day
• Sleep area should be quiet, free from distractions
• Comfortable room temperature and a supportive bed
• Limit caffeine, sugar, and alcohol before bed
• Light aerobic exercise early in the day helps normalize sleep patters
• Avoiding eating immediately before bedtime
• Practicing relaxation exercises while falling asleep

Fibromyalgia Treatments

Complementary therapies can be beneficial. These include:

• Physical therapy and therapeutic massage
• Myofascial release therapy
• Hydro therapy, application of heat and cold
• Light aerobic exercise, swimming and walking
• Acupressure, acupuncture
• Yoga
• Relaxation exercises
• Breathing techniques
• Aromatherapy
• Cognitive therapy
• Biofeedback
• Herbs and nutritional supplements

Source reference: NIH

The American College of Rheumatology, states that 3 to 6 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia occurs primarily in women of childbearing age. However children, men and the elderly can also be affected by fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Support Resources

Living with a chronic illness can challenge an individual emotionally. Counseling with a trained professional may improve communication and understanding to help build healthy emotional support from family and friends.

Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org

Fibromyalgia Partnership
www.fmpartnership.org

National Fibromyalgia Association
www.fmaware.org

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