Fibromyalgia: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is often associated with persistent muscle pain, particularly in areas that have been noted as trigger points or localized points of pain. Emotional symptoms may also be caused by fibromyalgia due to stress, lack of sleep, and chronic pain. Fibromyalgia may be strongly associated with other conditions, such as endometriosis (presence of uterine lining tissue outside the uterus), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; digestive discomfort that does not cause intestinal damage or serious disease), and sleep disturbances.

Physical symptoms of fibromyalgia

You may experience fibromyalgia symptoms daily or only occasionally. Any of these physical symptoms can range from mild to severe:

• Decreased tolerance for exercise
• Digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Irregular heart beat
• Migraine or tension headache
• Muscle pain that can be severe
• Numbness and tingling in feet and hands
• Sleep disturbances
• Stiffness when waking
• Tenderness, concentrated at certain areas known as tender points

Emotional symptoms of fibromyalgia

You may experience fibromyalgia symptoms daily or only occasionally. Any of these emotional symptoms can be severe:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Difficulty with memory

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, left untreated, the pain of fibromyalgia can lead to a serious emotional condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including:

• Being a danger to oneself or others, including threatening, irrational or suicidal behavior
• Severe depression
• Suicidal thoughts