Fibromyalgia: What is it & What are its Symptoms?

The first of a 3-part series on Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) or Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic health condition involving the musculoskeletal system. The word ‘chronic’ is used to describe conditions that last for long periods of time, such as asthma or arthritis. FM syndrome causes general pain as well as stiffness and tenderness of muscles, joints and tendon tissues.

It is a difficult illness to diagnose, and as a result it can go unrecognised and untreated for many years. That is why we are dedicating three articles to cover this illness thoroughly. In this first article, we will look at the signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia; in the second, we will look at its causes and treatments; and in the third, we address some related health considerations.

Firstly, what is Fibromyalgia?

In the past, FM was seen as either a musculoskeletal disorder, a nervous system disorder—often accompanied by mental illness (often in the form of depression)—or, some doctors believed it to be a psychosomatic illness: that is, ‘all in the mind’. Nowadays however, FM is more commonly agreed to be a bona fide health condition, rather than anything psychosomatic. It is generally thought to be a disorder of the nervous system.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of FM is difficult; firstly because there are no outward physical indications (such as swelling, discolouration, etc.); and secondly, because symptoms can overlap and be confused with other autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, hypothyroidism or polymyalgia rheumatica. Therefore, ruling out other health conditions is used as a way of identifying FM syndrome.

Demographics are also taken into consideration. Statistically, women are more likely to develop FM; about 80% of sufferers being between the ages of 35-55. A small percentage of men, children and the elderly can also be affected.

Signs & Symptoms

As mentioned, there is no visible deformity to the body. The predominant and overwhelming symptom is pain, which can be accompanied by muscle spasms, stiffness, tenderness, and a heightened sensitivity to pressure and pain.

Pain is generally widespread, to both sides of the body, with the neck, buttocks, shoulders, arms, upper back and chest being commonly affected.

Other symptoms include:
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Increased sensitivity to pain with tender points located around the body
Fatigue and lowered energy levels
Insomnia or poor sleep quality
Joint pain, aches and stiffness
Poor mental acuity affecting memory, concentration, and the ability to perform simple mental tasks (a.k.a.‘brain fog’)
Abdominal disturbances, including pain, bloating, nausea and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
Irritable bladder with increased urinary urgency / frequency
Tension or migrane headaches
Hypersensitivity to all or one of the following: odours, noise, bright lights, medications, specific or allergen foods, and cold temperatures
Feelings of anxiety, depression, nervousness
Tingling and numbness on the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
Inability to exercise for sustained periods or intense muscle pain after exercise
A feeling of swelling (without visible swelling) in the hands and feet
Recurrent infections

Symptoms vary in degree and severity from person to person. Symptoms are also known to intensify depending on the time of day, and worsen according to other factors such as a change in weather conditions, stress, fatigue, tension, inactivity, depression, hormones and overexertion. For example, increased intensity of pain at night can prevent a good night’s sleep, causing the sufferer to wake in the morning feeling fatigued, tense, irritable and depressed. Lack of sleep resulting from pain can exacerbate other symptoms.

Patients can suffer for many years without relief and symptoms can worsen over time. In more severe cases, patients can become house-bound or even bed-bound. But there is hope...!

Now that we have looked at the symptoms of FM syndrome, it is important to know the Causes and Treatments of Fibromyalgia