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
- 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 ;-)
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.
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!
Fibromyalgia Book Review
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual (2nd Edition)
This book is an absolute must-have for fibromyalgia and myofascial pain sufferers!
The most important thing I learned from the author is the difference between fibromyalgia tender points and myofascial trigger points and the different types of pain they produce.
Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are actually separate conditions, although they often overlap, and most people (and practitioners) don't know this.
I can't tell you how important this book has been to me in seeking the right treatments and in helping manage my symptoms.
Fibromyalgia Book Review
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition
The self-treatment techniques in this book have relieved my pain on so many occasions, and have probably saved me hundreds of dollars in wasted massage therapy.
If you have myofascial pain syndrome, or even suspect you might have it, this book is a true life-saver.
Most massage therapists and physios do not understand trigger points and how to treat them properly, so educating yourself and learning to relief some of the pain on your own is, as Martha Stewart would say, "a good thing"!
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Illness Related Links
- National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week
- National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week (September 10-16) is a time in which people and organizations are encouraged to educate the general public about the impact of an invisible illness.
- 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!
Fibromyalgia Book Review
From Fatigued to Fantastic
Dr. Teitelbaum had chronic fatigue syndrome and recovered from it. I think he's brilliant; he recommends treating all the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome at the same time, rather than one at a time, to get the best results.
You will learn tons about fibro and CFS and just how many possible treatment options there are available.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia - Latest News
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The Fibromyalgia Advocate
If you are applying for disability/SSDI, or need guidance on how to find a doctor who will treat you and your fibromyalgia symptoms with respect, this book is a valuable resource and will give you a sense of empowerment, something that us "fibromites" need more of!
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia - Guestbook
Here's a place to post your comments and/or questions about Fibromyalgia
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Heidi_Whitaker
Many people with the environmental sensitivities that you mention above have been helped by doing a candida cleanse. (Of course, you have to change your diet and habits or the candida will just return.) Posted February 02, 2008 |
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Lundy
My cousin, a surgeon in Alabama, has done some serious research on fibromyalgia and you might find his research paper to shed some new light on treating this condition. Posted November 23, 2007 |
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llolson
Hi, You sound like a very upbeat person in spite of it all - kudos to you. FYI my friend has had great success in getting rid of the pain in people who have fibro. You can get his free CD (S Posted November 20, 2007 |
Pity the poor souls who have to deal with horrible pain of fibromyalgia and pray you find a good Dr.
Who would consider fibromyalgia, CFS, spondalosis/lytis, palmoplantar pustolosis, life threathing?
I have the above.
I worked 25yrs. with the elderly. I only get SSI in SC.
Help! Kay
Posted September 26, 2007
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fibro_cfs_gal
Sorry to hear you're in so much pain. I hope you and any of my other readers won't give up looking for treatment options. Read one of the books I recommend on this page; finding just one way to alleviate or reduce your pain can make a huge difference :-) Posted August 02, 2007 |
I went to the doctors a couple of years ago and was told that i have fibromyalia I suffer a lot with the pain,I was brought to the hos-for pains and numness in my legs and arms I had a ct scan there and mri and thay found marks on my brain they think i my have multiple-scioris as well as fibromyagia
Posted August 01, 2007
Disclaimer for Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
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.
Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia - Visitor Count
