Fibromyalgia Symptoms

This article will look at the common symptoms of FMS, as well as many accompanying expressions which may present themselves in a great number of patients.

Typical Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Pain in the muscles may be worsened with physical activity. Pain may be acute, dull, sharp, burning or aching. Back muscle pain can be particularly severe and dorsalgia is a very common location for symptoms to occur. Many patients also experience painful expressions in their joints. In order for FMS to be diagnosed, pain will be present in large areas of the anatomy and in at least 11 of 18 primary pain zones.

Fatigue is usually present. Patient will be tired all the time, physically, mentally and emotionally. Patient may not be able to concentrate or focus their mind easily. Memory and cognitive abilities may suffer considerably.

Additional FMS Symptoms

Sleep disorders are very common. Patient will have a hard time sleeping or effectively resting. Patient will feel restless and tired even after sleeping.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD or TMJ) describes pain in the jaw and face relating to a problem with the jaw muscles or actual skeletal TM joint. This is an occasional associated expression of FMS.

Headaches may be present in the majority of diagnosed patients. Expressions include frequent migraine or tension headaches. In some patients, these can be primary symptomatic complaints.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a torture to endure and is even worse when combined with FMS. This digestive system nightmare is an occasional to moderately common expression suffered by many diagnosed people. Diarrhea, bloating, constipation and nausea are all possible and might recur chronically.

Allergies are very common symptoms of FMS. Patients are often hyper-allergic to many substances, some of which may even be mistakenly implicated in causing the fibromyalgia to begin with.

Depression is almost a universal problem for patients with extended symptoms. Statistics show that the longer a person suffers with FMS, the greater their chances of being diagnosed with clinical depression. In many patients, this becomes one of the greatest overall health risks.

Anxiety is a common side effect of any type of chronic pain. Patients worry about the symptoms themselves, as well as the longterm effects on their lives and functionality.

Skin disorders may include allergies, breakouts or blemishes, especially on highly visible areas, such as the face.

Irregular or problematic menstrual periods are an almost universal concern in female patients. Heavy cramping and serious emotional side effects are common.

Dizziness, Lightheadedness and Vertigo are very usual signs of FMS. Person may be prone to motion sickness or fainting spells. In some cases, these may be primary symptomatic complaints, as well.

Bottom Line on Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Although the diagnosis is made exclusively based on symptomatic expression, the specific effects seen in each patient vary considerably. This further confounds physicians and makes accurate diagnosis and treatment that much harder. To learn more about other possible symptoms of FMS and how these might be related to the same source process, talk to your doctor.