Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Apparently, there are eighteen places someone suffering from fibromyalgia may feel pain and/or tenderness that is according to the American College of Rheumatology. Generally, if you have pain in at least eleven of these spots, you may have fibromyalgia. There are actually nine places in total that are mirrored on the right and left side of the bodies, these tender spots include:
• the base of the skull
• the base of the neck where the shoulders begin
• the top of the shoulders toward the back
• on or between the shoulder blades
• at the top of the hip (backside)
• on the outside of the hip
• on the fat pad over the knee
• the breast bone
• on the outer edge of the forearm just below the elbow
Aside from the above diagnostic points already mentioned, other symptoms commonly experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers include:
• widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, often where they attach to the bone
• mild to severe fatigue
• muscle spasms and cramps
• nausea
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• temperomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TMJ)
• cognitive and/or memory impairment, also known as “fibro-fog” or “brain fog”
• morning stiffness
• anxiety
• depression
• chronic tension or migraine headaches, often severe
• dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome (RLS), sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), and bruxism (teeth grinding)
• dizziness/vertigo, often accompanied by nausea
• exacerbated allergy symptoms (affecting the nasal passages)
• muscle weakness and twitching
• impaired coordination
• sensitivity to odors, bright lights, loud noises, and medications
• low tolerance for exercise and physical exertion in general (can cause muscle pain for days afterward)
If you believe you think you may be suffering from fibromyalgia, it can be a challenge to one, find a doctor who believes you and two, find a doctor that actually believes it is a medical condition. If you find that one doctor downplays the reality of fibromyalgia, ask for second opinion. A rheumatologist who specializes in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue would be a good choice.
To check for the condition, your doctor should check each all eighteen of the above spots for tenderness. The doctor should not have to press too hard, even light pressure can cause pain in fibromyalgia suffers. If you find that you do not experience pain in some of the areas as the doctor is checking you but you have in the past be sure to tell your doctor during the exam. Sometimes, fibromyalgia can have a mind of its own, and symptoms may come and go.