Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in local areas. According to Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia can amplify the painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
Not many people have heard of the disorder, but it is very common among adults. In fact, more than 5 million people in America are affected by fibromyalgia. The disorder affects how you perform, and interferes with your normal daily activities.
The problem with identifying the disorder is that most of the symptoms mimic other health problems. That makes fibromyalgia difficult to diagnose. The key is to understand the symptoms. Only that way, you can help your doctor make a clear diagnose. That being said, here are warning signs you should not ignore. Think of them as the early signs your body sends you.
Body stiffness
One of the first and most common symptoms of fibromyalgia is body stiffness. Almost all the patients suffering from disorder have confirmed they felt body stiffness before the official diagnose. The stiffness usually happens in the morning, and the feeling is similar to what people experience when suffering from arthritis. The stiffness usually goes away after 10 minutes, but it can last for the entire day as well.
Abnormal digestion
Indigestion is another common symptom of the disorder. And it can come in different forms and shapes. Some experience bloating, some experience diarrhea, and others experience constipation. Half of the patients with fibromyalgia experience similar symptoms as those with Irritable bowel syndrome.
Swelling and tingling sensation
Patients suffering from the disorder also experience “paresthesia”. This is a condition that manifests as pins and needles sensation, and it can happen in your legs, hands, feet, and arms. Some patients have reported that the sensation lasts a few minutes. Others, however, have felt it for a longer period.
Pain in your body
Almost every patient has confirmed he/she felt pain across the entire body. The pain is different. Patients describe it as deep, sharp, and throbbing and aching pain. The pain is constant, and over-the-counter pain medications do not help.
Finger and toe spasms
Scientists have even proven there is a connection between arterial stiffness and fibromyalgia. This symptom comes as a reaction to stress. You can notice blue tint at the affected area. And almost always, arterial spasms are accompanied by pain.
Poor sleep quality
With so much pain, stiffness, and tingling sensation, it is only logical that you cannot sleep properly. Patients have troubles to get quality sleep. The erratic brain activity is what hampers your sleep.
Fibromyalgia fog
Patients experience cognitive difficulties. The symptom, commonly referred to as fibro fog, impairs your ability to focus and concentrate on mental tasks. The brain fog comes as a result of impaired brain activity. You may also experience a lack of mental clarity, forgetfulness, and feeling of confusion.
Sensitivity to temperature
It is unclear why and how these two are connected. But there is no denying that patients suffering from fibromyalgia experience sensitivity to temperature. They have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Even if the weather hasn’t changed, patients experience freezing or extreme heat. This sensitivity is very similar to how patients react when they suffer from fever.
