Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia symptoms are varied, but the one universal symptom of the syndrome is chronic, widespread pain in the body’s soft tissues. Although there is no inflammation or swelling, Fibromyalgia is characterized by numerous “tender points” that react with intense pain when light pressure is applied. Aside from the pain, there are numerous other Fibromyalgia symptoms, beginning with the second-most common: fatigue. Also discussed in this section are sleep disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, depression, anxiety, and other common Fibromyalgia Symptoms.

Because of its tendency to mimic other diseases, and because of the varied nature of its symptoms, Fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Fibromyalgia symptoms are easily confused with those of other disorders such as hypothyroidism, anemia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, there is no one clear way to make a Fibromyalgia diagnosis; all standard medical laboratory tests will invariably come back with normal findings.

Some doctors have unfortunate tendency to dismiss the disease as “all in one’s head” when the lab tests come back normal. However, Fibromyalgia symptoms, when left untreated, can have a profound effect on a sufferer’s quality of life. With proper treatment however, the majority of Fibromyalgia sufferers can reduce their symptoms dramatically and lead a normal, productive existence.