Signs You Might Have Fibromyalgia

Have you been feeling extremely tired and sore recently? Have you had a lot of unexplained chronic pain? If you can say yes to these questions, then there’s a possibility that you have fibromyalgia. This disease affects a small percentage of the population around the world, and it is often misdiagnosed in its early stages. Here are some different signs of fibromyalgia so you can begin seeking treatment.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Fatigue and Insomnia

Do you feel tired all the time? And sleep doesn’t seem to make a difference. This could be a sign of fibromyalgia, especially if it has lasted more than three months.

Also, it may be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep due to pain or discomfort, or just a problem in general.

Head Pain and Sensory Issues

Some of the most disorienting signs of fibromyalgia are its negative effects in the head area. Frequent headaches and migraines can become a common signifier for fibromyalgia.

At times pain and confusion can be easily triggered, especially during very stressful moments. In some cases, people report light sensitivity or sensitivity to loud noises and other external stimuli.

This could even include food or medications that you have been accustomed to ingesting. During bedtime this could present even further challenges and obstacles to sleep, resulting in insomnia.

Abdominal Pain

Another common pain occurrence is that of the abdomen. This area can experience pain for a variety of reasons. At times, the pain coming from the abdomen could be as simple as normal gas or bloating, or more troublesome, inflammation from irritable bowel syndrome.

This could further develop into frequent urinary urgency that threatens to shorten trips and times out in public when you’re trying to spend time with friends and family.

It is important to document everything that you ingest to be sure that you haven’t developed other issues. Inflammation of the bowels is a serious matter and should be treated as such so you can work to find some kind of relief.

Muscle Tenderness or Soreness

Many suffer from sore muscles now and then. But with fibromyalgia, it’s different. There are many tender spots that those suffering from fibromyalgia experience. These spots can be found on the shoulders, neck, elbows, knees, buttocks, hips, breastbone, and back of the head. The pain is usually throughout the entire body, that can be radiating, aching, or shooting pains.

Depression and Anxiety

The effects of fibromyalgia are relatively far-reaching and can eventually begin to affect how you feel emotionally. This can manifest itself into frustration, anxiety, and depression.

It would be perfectly normal to become depressed when you feel as though you have no control over your own body. That is another reason why knowing how to cope with fibromyalgia can go a long way in helping you deal with its difficult effects.

Other Symptoms

Morning stiffness
Difficulty with memory (fibro fog)
Vision problems
Dizziness
Skin sensitivity
Pain in face or jaw
Problems with coordination or balance

If you are exhibiting these or other odd signs and think you might have fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor right away. Just because you have any of these symptoms does not mean you have fibromyalgia. That’s why it is important to get advice from a medical professional.

I’ve created a Fibromyalgia Symptoms Checklist that can be printed to take with you when talking with a medical professional.