What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Chronic pain is the most common symptom. The pain most often affects the muscles and the points where muscles attach to bones. These are the ligaments and tendons.
Pain may start in one part of your body, such as your neck and shoulders. But any part of the body may be affected. The pain ranges from mild to severe, with “flare ups” and times of improvement. The discomfort from fibromyalgia may feel like burning, soreness, stiffness, aching, or gnawing pain, oftentimes with sore spots in certain parts of your muscles. The pain may feel like arthritis.
Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Medium to severe tiredness (fatigue)
- Less exercise endurance
- Sleep problems at night
- Depressed mood
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel symptoms, such as belly (abdominal) pain and bloating, diarrhea, and constipation
- Restless legs
- Painful menstrual periods
- Trouble thinking clearly (called “fibro fog”)
- These symptoms can seem like other health conditions. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
