Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
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Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but if you think you may have fibromyalgia, or if you've recently been diagnosed, it's important to familiarize yourself with this condition so you can find ways to help yourself and your doctors deal with this challenging condition.
The word fibromyalgia is defined from "fibro" (meaning fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments), "myo" (meaning muscles) and "algia" (meaning pain).
Although the symptoms of fibromyalgia do differ from person to person, for a "formal" diagnosis, you should have had widespread pain in all four quadrants of your body (below the waist: left and right sides, and above the waist: left and right sides) for a minimum of three months, and 11 out of 18 specific tender points on your body (the picture above shows where those tender points are located).
However, you may still be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if you have less than 11 tender points, as long as you have most of the commonly associated symptoms of fibromyalgia shown in this checklist:
- widespread pain
- fatigue
- "fibro fog" or brain fog
- poor memory and concentration
- chronic headaches
- stiffness
- sleep disturbances
You may also experience:
- skin sensitivity
- environmental sensitivities (chemicals, temperature, odors, etc)
- TMJ - temporomandibular joint disorder
- muscle spasms
- numbness and tingling
- urinary frequency
- IBS - irritable bowel syndrome
- restless leg syndrome
- depression and/or anxiety
...and a host of other symptoms.
While I strongly believe that we are each ultimately responsible for our own health, do not self-diagnose if you suspect you have the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Do see your doctor, and if he or she is not knowledgeable enough to diagnose or treat you effectively, ask to be referred to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, internal medicine doctor or fibromyalgia center/clinic.
Since other conditions or disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can have similar symptoms, and may overlap fibromyalgia, your doctor or specialist should be able to order tests to confirm or rule out other conditions.
My Story - The Short-But-Sweet Version ;-)
In my case, I had been suffering from almost constant pain and fatigue for over two years (and intermittently for most of my life).
Although I'd been to see my doctor often to try and get some answers, it was my own persistence and research on the symptoms of fibromyalgia that finally led to my diagnosis of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Yup...I got the triple whammy!
I have to say that when I was first diagnosed, I was surprised at how little my family doctor knew about fibromyalgia. She basically told me that there is no cure and there was not much she could do for me. When I talked to others who also had fibromyalgia, many told me that their family doctors had given them similar feedback.
Don't take this to heart, though: although there is no known "cure" according to the mainstream medical profession, there are things you can do to help yourself and there are doctors out there who are knowledgeable in the treatment and the symptoms of fibromyalgia, so don't ever give up hope!
Don't rely solely on your doctors or on prescription drugs to cope. Look into alternative and natural treatments for fibromyalgia as well; they are what helped me the most.
Although I'd been to see my doctor often to try and get some answers, it was my own persistence and research on the symptoms of fibromyalgia that finally led to my diagnosis of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Yup...I got the triple whammy!
I have to say that when I was first diagnosed, I was surprised at how little my family doctor knew about fibromyalgia. She basically told me that there is no cure and there was not much she could do for me. When I talked to others who also had fibromyalgia, many told me that their family doctors had given them similar feedback.
Don't take this to heart, though: although there is no known "cure" according to the mainstream medical profession, there are things you can do to help yourself and there are doctors out there who are knowledgeable in the treatment and the symptoms of fibromyalgia, so don't ever give up hope!
Don't rely solely on your doctors or on prescription drugs to cope. Look into alternative and natural treatments for fibromyalgia as well; they are what helped me the most.
One of my favorite articles on treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia naturally
- Natural Fibromyalgia Treatment Gets Better, Faster Results
- A MUST-READ article by a Naturopath Mark A. Stengler on just how effective natural treatments for fibromyalgia can be!
Barb's "Must-Read" Fibromyalgia Book Review
Imagine what it would be like if you could reduce your pain by 90%.
That's exactly what I did when I learned about the difference between fibromyalgia tender points and myofascial trigger points and the different types of pain they produce. I eliminated most of my pain just by avoiding or adjusting certain activities and positions that aggravated my trigger points!
Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are actually separate conditions, although they often overlap, and most people (and doctors) don't know this.
This book is an absolute must-have for fibromyalgia and myofascial pain sufferers. I can't tell you how important it has been to me in seeking the right treatments and in helping manage my symptoms.
Get this book now and take control of your pain and your life!
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Related Links
- MediClim | Weather Health Warning System
- Feeling under the weather? Do you or someone you know suffer from MIGRAINE, HEART DISEASE, ASTHMA, ARTHRITIS or DIABETES? MediClim® can help.
This is an interesting free service that sends you email alerts the day before your health problem may be aggravated due to changes in the weather. You will also gain access to our forums where you can meet people with health problems similar to your own.
They don't have alerts for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome yet, but I believe they're working on it. - USA - Weather.com's "Aches & Pains" Forecast
- I don't know about you, but I notice that my fibromyalgia symptoms, especially achiness and fatigue, get worse just before the weather changes. Check out this cool link to get a bit of a warning before the aches come on...
- Canada - Weathernetwork.com's "Aches & Pains" Forecast
- For my Canadian readers, this link's for you!
Barb Recommends: o24 Fibromyalgia - All Natural Topical Pain Relief
This is truly one of the best topical products you could ever use for relieving fibromyalgia pain. I've used it extensively and it's brought me long-lasting relief countless times. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!
Fibromyalgia Book Review
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia - Guestbook
Here's a place to post your comments and/or questions about Fibromyalgia
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Sarah
Aug 23, 2011 @ 4:55 pm | delete
- I'm 18 years old And i was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 years ago. My mother has it , also her mother. Everyday that i wake up it feels like i got hit by a truck. Then through out the day my heels hurt so bad i cant even stand for 2 min. I have very bad fatigue & i have a stand up job. My body feels like im 78 and im only 18. I got told all these years it was just my weight and if i lost weight my legs and feet wouldn;t hurt so bad.. but i only wiegh 150 and people that are heavier dont complain. Everyone calls me crazy and says to stop whining. Im so glad i found poeple that actually have the same thing. I dont kno what to do to get motivated again. I cant get around everyday. Im in such pain, and when i dont have any meds its like im trapped in the bed.. idk how to make it calm down.
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vddingman55
Aug 23, 2011 @ 8:59 pm | delete
- I know how you feel. People don't understand fibromyalgia. They think you are faking or lazy or a hypochondriac. I had had it for 3 years before I got a diagnosis. My husband, my mother, and many others, just think that a few little medicines would help and you need to get over it. My mother has it (undiagnosed) because she dont believe it in, my sister who has been diagnosed. I applied for my social security and everyone told me I wouldn't get it because there are no test that actually can diagnose fibromyalgia. After I went to their doctors and psychiatrist I got my disability the first time. My family doctor who didn't believe in fibromyalgia, now believes in it, and is trying me, I am having to help along the way because the specialist I was using retired and trained me to teach my doctor because I am a nurse. Not getting out of bed, boy can I relate to that. Yesterday was one of those days. My pain starts in my neck and goes down the whole left side, and in my right hand. For two days I haven't been able to hold a drink or plate. Today I am much better. But you never know what you are going to wake up too. If you have any questions please feel free about contacting me at vdd@suddenlink.net. And put Fibromyalgia in subject line. My specialist gave me a paper of treatment that he told me I could publish. I will get it put in tomorrow. I have to find it, I have fibromyalgia fog real bad at times and forget what I do with my important things.
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vddingman55
Aug 23, 2011 @ 9:04 pm | delete
- Sarah, one thing I want you to try is getting in a swimming pool and or hot tub. If you don't have a pool and don't have a hot tub, fill your bathtub, first in tepid water and lay in. Then let it out and get it as hot as you can stand it (about 104 degrees) and place your most painful area in the water.
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Fibromyalgia
Jul 28, 2011 @ 3:17 am | delete
- Fibromyalgia Pain Relief can be with activities that can rejuvenate the mind and help keep the brain from being idle, fibromyalgia can now be a not a little hard to deal with, anymore. Sometimes, each single unit of our body needs to have a little ?break' from the usual way of life. Just like any individuals form their respective professions, careers and ventures, our muscles also need some form of relaxation.
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dawnsantiquesandmore
Feb 2, 2011 @ 7:36 pm | delete
- I have not yet been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I fell like I have it I reaserched all the symptoms I have been having online and sure enough it keeps coming back to fibromyalgia. My mom had it does anyone know if its hereditary. I have no health insurance right now so I can't get checked I just keep taking motrin for the pain. Its getting worse I wake up in pain and cant sleep.
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Sarah
Aug 23, 2011 @ 4:57 pm | delete
- It is hereditary. my mother has it .. her mother has it and i have it.
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Wysiwigs Dec 22, 2010 @ 6:18 am | delete
- Have a tentative diagnosis of Fibromyalgia from the Neurologist (MS is still a small question mark) - going to see my Rheumatologist next week. I have already had cancer and a muscle disease, so I am seriously tired of popping pills. I am very relieved to know there are some alternatives out there to prescriptions. I had to take Lyrica for neuropathy during chemotherapy and hated it (worked great, but the side effects were awful :oP Thanks for the helpful information!
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vddingman55
Aug 29, 2010 @ 11:24 pm | delete
- I have had the pain for probably 20-30 years. Not really sure how long. I have been to the doctor because my neck hurt so bad that no home remedy seemed to work, so I would go in an get shots in my shoulder and neck. I never noticed it spreading until about 2 years ago when there was extreme stress in my life. I have been to doctor after doctor who all really seemed interested and tried to help. I have had ever test known to man. I went to my family doctor about 5 months ago, and I had the poor man stressed to death. He sent me to an orthopedist. I filled out the paper work and when he came into the exam room, he told me he was the doctor and he would do the talking. He prescribed medication, gave me 48 shots in neck, shoulders, lower back, hips. The shots seemed to help. About 2 weeks after, I got into so much pain, I literally thought life no longer mattered. I continued the medication and went back to the doctor for next check up. He decreased the shots, but clumsiness is one of the problems. I feel the same evening on the side I had all the shots. I haven't hardly been able to move since. About 4 days ago, when I thought i couldn't stand anymore, it started to let up a little. One of the things that I have noticed is keeping your stress level low. If I am not stressed, the pain is almost tolerable. I keep praying for an answer that is not so painful. I do research continuously because that seems like all I can do at this time. I keep trying to find answers not only for myself but I don't want other people to have to go through this. It won't kill you, but sometimes you almost wish it would.
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lisakleinweber Mar 30, 2010 @ 8:47 pm | delete
- Hi Barb, great lens. excellent info. I LOVE the article about the natural treaments you linked to. I reversed fibromyalgia over the course of about 5 years through many natural treatments.
One thing you didn't mention so I don't know if you are aware of it is the guaifenesin protocol. It helped me a lot.
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Karen King
Mar 9, 2010 @ 12:03 pm | delete
- I am 67 yrs old and have had fibromyalgia for most of my life and even as a child I had some symptoms and didn't know what it was. I have pain all the time but mostly in my back. I have lumps mostly on my legs, buttocks and back. Most are painful. I feel like my body is like a roadmap with every nerve painful. I also have urinary frequency, IBS, CF, silent migraines, allergies to smells, sore skin, etc. I have tried many different anti-depressants but none worked. Lyrica made me sick. The most relief I get is from Vicodin and I only try to take no more than 2-3 a day which only dulls the pain. I have used Biofreeze (topical) and it seems to help some. My symptoms vary every day but the pain never stops. The most relief I get is in the recliner or laying down. I had back surgery for 2 ruptured discs several yrs ago and several yrs later had a bad fall. After the fall, I could not keep good balance so now because of being so sore I use a cane most of the time. Having said all that I try not to let it get me down and try to keep moving. People say, "You look so good", but they have no idea how I feel. I would love to have just one day without pain and I know there are things much worse so I guess I should be thankful I can walk and quit complaining. Hopefully, one day someone will find a cure or at least some real help for the pain. Another thing for which I am thankful is that they have finally realized it's not just in a person's head. It's real pain! I could write a book on years of pain!
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Disclaimer for Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The information contained in this article is educational and general in nature and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
The information contained herein is not meant to substitute the advice provided by a medical professional. In the event that you use this information for your own health, which is your right, the author of this article assumes no responsibility.
The information contained herein is not meant to substitute the advice provided by a medical professional. In the event that you use this information for your own health, which is your right, the author of this article assumes no responsibility.
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by fibro_cfs_gal
Hi, I'm Barb Jamesen and I have Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. I have learned some great coping strategie... more »
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