Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person. Symptoms can last from days to months or years.

The most common symptoms are:

• Widespread deep or burning pain above and below your waist and on the right and left sides of your body. Pain is more common in the Reference trunk Opens New Window, neck, low back, hips, and shoulders. It usually gets worse gradually and can interfere with even simple daily activities.
• Reference Tender points Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window (or trigger points) on the body that hurt when pressed.

Other symptoms that can occur along with pain include:

• Fatigue that interferes with work and daily activities.
• Sleep problems, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired.
• Morning stiffness lasting less than an hour.
• Headaches.
• Constipation or diarrhea related to Reference irritable bowel syndrome Opens New Window.
• Memory problems and trouble concentrating.
• Anxiety or depression.

People with fibromyalgia have times when their symptoms get worse and other times when they have milder or no symptoms. Flare-ups of fatigue and muscle and joint aches are common, especially following physical or emotional stress. Many people with fibromyalgia say that cold or damp weather, poor sleep, fatigue, stress, or being too active makes their pain worse.

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