Genuine Symptoms of Fibromyalgia That Extend Beyond Psychological Effects

Fibromyalgia is a widely recognized chronic pain syndrome. In the UK, it is estimated that up to

1 in every 25 individuals may be affected. However, due to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, the actual number could be higher, potentially between 1.5 to 2 million people. This makes it more prevalent than rheumatoid arthritis. Despite its commonality, the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains elusive, and its symptoms are diverse and multifaceted.

Fibromyalgia is identified as a syndrome, which is a group of signs, symptoms, and medical conditions, rather than by a single marker. The three primary symptoms that most directly indicate a diagnosis of fibromyalgia are:

- Widespread pain on both sides of the body, both above and below the waist

- Persistent fatigue

- Cognitive difficulties

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic pain syndrome that impacts every facet of an individual's life.

This blog explores the symptoms of fibromyalgia and its impact on an individual's life.

NB - symptoms vary from patient to patient, but may include any of the following:

Muscle pain

Muscle spasms

Tenderness

Headaches or migraines

Rebound pain

Irritable bowel syndrome

Nausea

Constipation

Excessive gas

Diarrhea

Painful bladder syndrome

Increased pain sensitivity

Feelings of pins and needles

Increased overall sensitivity to cold and touch

Oblivion

Inability to concentrate or “fibro-fog”

Balance and coordination problems

Fatigue

Depression

Nerve energy

Anxiety

Emotional sensitivity

Increased stress response

Sleep disorders

Joint stiffness

Menstrual pain or changes

Increased risk of other health problems

Understanding these symptoms and their impact can aid in diagnosis. The average individual may take years to receive a diagnosis due to the overlap of fibromyalgia symptoms with those of numerous other conditions.

Pain is a prevalent symptom of fibromyalgia and a crucial component of its diagnosis. However, the intensity of symptoms can fluctuate, improving or deteriorating over time. Various factors, including stress, weather changes, excessive or inadequate physical activity, and lack of proper rest, can affect symptom severity. Consequently, an activity that causes discomfort one day may be tolerable the next, and the opposite is also true.

Below we share a list of factors illustrating how symptoms of fibromyalgia pain can impact your life.

Generalized muscle pain

The hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia is undoubtedly chronic pain that is widespread across the body. To diagnose fibromyalgia, the pain must be present on both sides of the body and both above and below the waist. This pain may radiate to various parts of the body and can vary in intensity.

Fibromyalgia is characterised by fluctuating pain levels, which can change daily or even hourly. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, various factors can influence these pain levels:

- Cold/wet weather

- Non-restorative sleep

- Physical and mental fatigue

- Excessive physical activity

- Physical inactivity

- Anxiety

- Stress

Fibromyalgia typically starts in the neck and shoulder areas before extending to other body parts. The pain often arises in the joints, regardless of inflammation or swelling. Moreover, tender points are common and usually cause intense pain when pressure is applied.

Muscle spasms

Muscle spasms may manifest as a painful fibrotic symptom or mere irritation when the muscle involuntarily tightens and relaxes. They can disrupt sleep and daily activities.

Headaches or migraines

Headaches are frequently associated with fibromyalgia, with some patients experiencing severe migraines. The intense throbbing or pressure from these migraines can radiate beyond the head to the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Often, these headaches are precipitated by environmental factors such as stress and stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles. These headaches can last for several days and can be severe enough to disrupt sleep.

Rebound pain

When individuals with fibromyalgia experience a pain-free day, they often feel compelled to be active. They might tidy up their home, have lunch with friends, enjoy an afternoon of shopping, or take their kids out. Although these activities are enjoyable, they can unfortunately lead to a resurgence of more intense pain later that evening or the following day.

Tenderness

Doctors used to diagnose fibromyalgia using 18 tender points on the body, symmetrically located above and below the waist. Individuals with fibromyalgia might experience heightened sensitivity in these areas during a flare-up or may consistently feel tenderness at these points.

---

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Fibromyalgia - Many fibromyalgia patients also suffer from gastrointestinal problems, as listed below:-

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often coexist, sharing common symptoms such as pain and stiffness. It's not unusual for an individual to experience both conditions simultaneously. IBS, a chronic condition itself, may lead to:

- Diarrhoea

- Severe abdominal pain

- Cramps

- Bloating

Nausea

The pain can be so severe that a fibromyalgia patient is sick in the stomach. This can lead to a change in diet which can lead to other symptoms.

Constipation

Many individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) exhibit constipation as a primary symptom of the condition.

Excessive gas

Excessive gas may indicate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or stem from dietary changes related to nausea or other factors.

Diarrhoea

Patients with fibromyalgia who also have IBS, and do not experience constipation or excessive gas, may primarily exhibit diarrhea as a symptom of fibromyalgia.

Painful bladder syndrome

Reports suggest that fibromyalgia frequently coexists with other conditions, including interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome.

Sensory Fibromyalgia Symptoms

One of the most peculiar effects of fibromyalgia is the alteration in a patient's sensitivity to pain, cold, touch, and even sensory inputs like smell.

Increased Pain Sensitivity

People with chronic pain experience brain changes that make their bodies more sensitive to pain over time. This is a common symptom of fibromyalgia.

Pins and needles

Damage to nerves can lead to tingling sensations in the hands and feet, commonly known as "tingling." According to research about 25% of fibromyalgia patients report ‘poor circulation’ or numbness and tingling that does not show a root pattern and usually involves the arms and hands. However, a physical exam reveals normal muscle strength and sensory testing, with no signs of inflammation or arthritis.”

Increased Overall Sensitivity

In addition to heightened pain sensitivity, numerous fibromyalgia sufferers also experience increased sensitivity to light, noise, odours, and temperature, as well as cognitive difficulties often referred to as "fibro fog" which includes problems with concentration, thinking clearly, and memory.

Fibromyalgia patients are sometimes so sensitive all over their bodies that the slightest touch can make them quiver with surprise or pain. Nerve endings are hyper-aware and sensitive to the slightest stimulation from the seams and tags of clothing. But, due to an increased sensitivity to cold, fibromyalgia patients may find themselves reaching for a sweater on the sunniest days.

---

Cognitive Fibromyalgia Symptoms - The diagnosis of fibromyalgia often emphasizes physical symptoms like pain and fatigue, which are the most straightforward to identify and quantify. Nonetheless, the disorder's mental and cognitive symptoms can also significantly affect the quality of life.

Oblivion

Patients with fibromyalgia may struggle to remember daily tasks, from the location of their keys to their shopping lists. Memory loss and reduced verbal fluency are significant symptoms of fibromyalgia. Although memory decline is often associated with ageing, research on cognitive function in fibromyalgia patients indicates that they may have cognitive abilities and recall comparable to those of a 20-year-old.

Inability to concentrate or “fibro-fog”

The most common symptom of mental fibromyalgia is what is known as fibro fog or brain fog. This includes many cognitive difficulties, such as:

Become easily confused

Lack of motivation

Feeling “fuzzy”

Difficulty concentrating for long periods

Being unable to concentrate or pay attention

This fibro-fog is usually caused by overstimulation, high stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications. For many patients, this can be one of the most frustrating everyday symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Balance and Coordination Problems

Many individuals with fibromyalgia experience challenges with standing or maintaining basic coordination. While fatigue may contribute to this, it is also recognized as a distinct symptom of the condition.

Fatigue

Between the lack of sleep that is often a symptom of fibromyalgia and the amount of exertion even the smallest task requires during a flare-up, fibromyalgia patients can be deeply fatigued. Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from sleep disturbances. The constant pain itself can be exhausting. Those with fibro tend to report that they have trouble getting restful sleep and feel tired upon waking. Exhaustion is so synonymous with fibro that some experts believe that without sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue, it cannot be considered a true case of fibromyalgia.

---

Mood Disorders Related to Fibromyalgia - If you have fibromyalgia, you are also more likely to suffer from mood disorders.

Depression

As with all chronic pain patients, people with fibromyalgia have an increased risk of developing depression as a direct result of their condition. Research has shown that people diagnosed with fibro are three times more likely to suffer from depression than those without it. Depression is one of the most important symptoms to identify early on as it can be difficult to self-identify. It may also cause other negative effects that may exacerbate other symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as:

- Loss of interest in activities

- Decreased energy

- Persistent sadness or anxiety

In more advanced cases, it can lead to feelings of worthlessness and thoughts of death. This can be exacerbated by their inability to attend treatment regularly. Also, when depression is associated with a chronic pain condition, it will usually not improve unless the depression is also treated.

Nervous energy

When fibromyalgia patients are feeling good, they can be almost frantic in their desire to do things. Whether it’s playing with their children or simply doing household chores without pain, it can lead to rebound pain later on.

Anxiety

Waiting for the next painful flare-up can lead to a constant buzz of anxiety. In some patients, this anxiety may begin to turn into a fear of leaving the house, just in case an outbreak should begin. It can also result in a panic attack if symptoms of fibro-epidemic suddenly occur away from home.

Emotional sensitivity

As you might expect, suffering from chronic pain can cause the sufferer to feel irritable and short-lived in anger. However, for fibro patients, it’s more than that.

Many patients reported that their emotional reactions were much stronger and they had less control over how they expressed them. Irritability is one of the most common manifestations of this and this sensitivity can increase considerably with lack of sleep. This sensitivity is true for both negative and positive emotions.

Mood swings can significantly affect the daily lives of individuals with fibromyalgia. Those with the condition may experience rapid shifts from happiness to anger in a matter of minutes. These abrupt mood changes are frequently unexplainable, contributing to their profound impact on both personal and professional relationships.

---

In conclusion, the journey of living with a chronic illness is often fraught with challenges that are invisible to the naked eye. Friends and family must cultivate an understanding of these struggles to provide the support and empathy that patients desperately need. Raising awareness is not just about recognising the existence of these illnesses but also about acknowledging the profound impact they have on a patient's daily life. By fostering this awareness, we can create a more compassionate environment where patients feel seen, heard, and supported.

Every day, millions of Fibromyalgia warriors endure an illness that affects how we sleep, eat, and exercise. It's a constant battle, one that can change daily! If you know someone who suffers from this illness, keep in mind their daily struggles. Could you handle it? Could you cope with the daily pain and fatigue that are invisible to others?

If you could walk in OUR shoes for just one day, your view of invisible illnesses might change.