What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder characterized
by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness,
soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep
disturbances. The most common sites of pain include the
neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and hands, but any
body part can be affected. Fibromyalgia patients experience
a range of symptoms of varying
intensities that wax and wane over time.
FM is characterized by the presence of multiple tender
points and a constellation of symptoms.
Pain
The pain of FM is profound, widespread and chronic. It knows
no boundaries, migrating to all parts of the body and
varying in intensity. FM pain has been described as stabbing
and shooting pain and deep muscular aching, throbbing, and
twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness,
tingling, and burning are often present and add to the
discomfort of the patient. The severity of the pain and
stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors
that affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative
sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical
activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress.
Fatigue
In today's world many people complain of fatigue; however, the
fatigue of FM is much more than being tired. It is an
all-encompassing exhaustion that interferes with even the
simplest daily activities. It feels like every drop of
energy has been drained from the body, which at times can
leave the patient with a limited ability to function both
mentally and physically.
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Sleep problems
Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder that
prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical
researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities
in the Stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals
with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain
activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.
Other symptoms
Additional symptoms may include: irritable bowel and
bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic
limb movement disorder),
impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes,
dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears,
dizziness, vision problems,
Raynaud's
Syndrome, neurological symptoms, and
impaired coordination.
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