What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is chronic disorder that causes widespread pain and tenderness, and a number of other symptoms. Patients with fibromyalgia can have many tender points as shown in the picture. Although fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-related condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis (a disease of the joints) because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles, or other tissues. Like arthritis, however, fibromyalgia:
· Can cause significant pain and fatigue.
· May interfere with your ability to carry on daily activities.
· Impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain.
What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia ?
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain and fatigue. In addition, you may experience a variety of other symptoms including:
· Cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”).
· Headaches.
· Irritable bowel syndrome.
· Morning stiffness.
· Numbness or tingling of the extremities.
· Painful menstrual periods.
· Restless legs syndrome.
· Sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights.
· Sleep disturbances.
· Temperature sensitivity.