Fibromyalgia- Know the Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Copyright (c) 2008 Hailey Harris

Fibromyalgia can otherwise be called as Muscular Rheumatism, Tension Myalgia or Fibromyositis. This fibromyalgia is a syndrome where the patient suffers from chornic muscle pain. This is complicated syndrome wherein the pain can be all over the body or just in certain parts of muscles around the joints. The majority who are affected by this are women over the age of 30, who suffer from pain in the neck, back and shoulders. They would generally complain of stiffness and tenderness and pain in the joints.It may seem that the problem is with the joints but infact it is a muscular pain that causes the problem. This can appear in anyone including children and men of all ages and is the second most common disorder as per rheumatologists.

Due to the steady pain the person tends to show signs of stress, sleeplessness, extreme moodiness, and even depression. This may not be constant, but can escalate with the pain and uneasiness. The cause of this must be due to certain pain stimulating chemicals in the body and the increase or reduction of serotonin in the body making it sensitive to pain. Fibromyalgia causes the pain to be centralized wherein you feel the pain elsewhere in the brain or spinal cord. This can be triggered with just a slight touch or even external factors like light and sound. It may seem psychological due to this, but in reality the pain is genuine and caused due to these factors.

People suffering from Fibromyalgia can be in a very painful state even though this symptom is passive. Even though it is not a fatal condition and does not cause any permanent damage, the person suffering can be in a distressed state due to the pain. It can be a severe set back as the person will not be able to function like a normal person continually due to the constant pain in the joints. These symptoms of joint pain and headaches along with back pain can continue over long periods sometimes even up to a decade once it starts. It can be enhanced by weather conditions like cold or humid weather or even psychological disturbances like stress or exertion can trigger this symptom.

This symptom is associated with sleeplessness and restlessness where the patient suffers from sleep disorders and tends to be a very light sleeper, awakened several times. Joint pain is very common along with tenderness of the skin and a feeling of stiffness. The pain can be extreme or a dull continuous throb which makes a person almost disabled. Due to the pain the joints may feel inflamed even though there will not be any swelling. The person suffering from Fibromyalgia will tend to feel tired most of the time and will not have the energy to function normally mentally and physically. Their mental stability is not in condition and they may show symptoms of memory loss or weak concentration an poor aptitude. Their skin becomes extra sensitive to external factors like heat and cold or even sounds.

Due to the constant suffering these people tend to also undergo extreme mood fluctuations which can result in the person having no patience and displaying anxiety syndrome or even depression due to the inability caused by the onset of Fibromyalgia. Their energy levels are low and alertness can be lessened. Actions which need continuous motion could become impossible. Other symptoms that can be noticed are rash, pain during menstruation, visual impairment or even ear pain. The temperature can also fluctuate and be below normal most of the time causing dryness of the mouth as well. Irritable bowel syndrome can be another sign of Fibromyalgia, complaints of constant pain in the stomach, constipation or nausea are seen in most of the patients.

Other common symptoms can be irritable bladder, twitching of muscles, dry eyes, cramps, numbness etc. Occasionally, they even react to certain medications when suffering from Fibromyalgia. Hormonal variations can trigger the symptoms or even certain allergies. The most common complaint would be of body pain where the muscles seem overworked and tender and cause a burning sensation.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia can be treated over a period of time and it is better for the family to study this particular syndrome in order to understand the patient and help him in his recovery.