1. Fatigue:
Fatigue is a common symptom of fibromyalgia, and can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Patients often report feeling tired all the time, regardless of how much sleep they get.
2. Sleep problems:
People with fibromyalgia often have difficulty falling or staying asleep. They may wake up frequently during the night, or feel exhausted after a full night's sleep.
3. Problems with memory or concentration:
Many people with fibromyalgia report problems with memory and concentration. This can make tasks like completing work or remembering appointments difficult.
4. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or abdominal pain:
IBS is a common complication in people with fibromyalgia, and around half of all patients with fibromyalgia also suffer from IBS symptoms. Abdominal pain is also a common complaint in people with fibromyalgia.
5. Anxiety or depression:
Up to two-thirds of people with fibromyalgia experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. These mood disorders can make the symptoms of fibromyalgia worse and contribute to fatigue and other problems.
6. Headaches:
Headaches are common in people with fibromyalgia, and can be caused by muscle tension, stress, or changes in brain chemistry related to the condition.
7. Tender points on the body:
Tender points are specific areas on the body that are commonly tender in people with fibromyalgia. There are 18 designated tender points, and patients are typically asked to pinpoint where they experience the most pain.
8. Joint pain:
Joint pain is another common symptom of fibromyalgia. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes everyday activities difficult.
9. Muscle pain or stiffness:
Muscle pain and stiffness are also common in people with fibromyalgia. The muscles may feel sore all over, or only in certain areas such as the neck, shoulders, or back.
10. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet:
Many people with fibromyalgia experience numbness or tingling in their hands and feet, especially when they're stressed out or tired. This is caused by compression of the nerves leading to those areas.
11. Sensitivity to cold or heat:
People with fibromyalgia often have extreme reactions to both cold and heat, which can be uncomfortable and frustrating. They may feel overly hot or cold when others don't or find that temperature changes make their symptoms worse.
12. Skin problems:
People with fibromyalgia may also experience a variety of skin problems, such as dryness, itching, and rashes. These can be caused by the same factors that contribute to other symptoms, such as nerve compression and changes in brain chemistry.
13. Urinary symptoms:
Fibromyalgia can also cause urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and incontinence. These are often related to IBS or other abdominal problems.