7 main symptoms of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can cause symptoms such as generalized muscle pain, difficulty concentrating, tiredness and stiffness in the body, especially when waking up in the morning or after remaining still for a long time.

Although fibromyalgia has no specific cause, it is more common in overweight women, who lack physical activity and who suffer from illnesses such as anxiety or depression. Understand better what fibromyalgia is.

If fibromyalgia is suspected, it is important to consult a rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may involve regular exercise, physical therapy and/or medication such as duloxetine and pregabalin.

Main symptoms of fibromyalgia

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

1. Constant pain in the body

People who have fibromyalgia generally feel constant pain throughout the body for more than 3 months, without it being related to other diseases. This pain is most common in the lower back, neck, hips and knees.

2. Severe pain when touched

In addition to constant pain, it is also common for pain to increase when touching specific points on the body, such as the side of the hips and the junction of the neck and shoulder, which are known as “pain points” in fibromyalgia. Know the pain points of fibromyalgia.

3. Frequent tiredness

Excessive tiredness is another of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, appearing especially in the morning, and can occur in both young people and adults, without being caused by another disease.

4. Changes in sleep

Fibromyalgia also causes changes in sleep, such as having difficulty falling asleep, waking up several times during the night or having light sleep. Therefore, people with fibromyalgia often wake up tired and feeling like they didn’t sleep well.

5. Muscle stiffness

Fibromyalgia can also cause stiffness in the body and difficulty moving, especially when waking up. This stiffness usually lasts no more than 30 minutes.

6. Memory and concentration problems

Memory problems and difficulty maintaining concentration are other common symptoms of fibromyalgia that can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks.

7. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is common in people with fibromyalgia, with symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation, as well as abdominal pain. Check out the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is confirmed by a general practitioner or rheumatologist taking into account the symptoms, location of pain, the person’s health history and physical examination, in which fibromyalgia pain points are normally assessed.

How the treatment is carried out

Fibromyalgia treatment typically involves measures such as adopting healthier sleeping habits, exercising regularly and avoiding stress, and medications such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants. See how fibromyalgia is treated.

Especially when symptoms do not respond well to initial treatment, the doctor may also recommend psychotherapy and physiotherapy, for example. In addition, massages, water aerobics, yoga and aromatherapy may also be recommended to alleviate symptoms.

If there are illnesses such as anxiety and depression, their appropriate treatment is also important, and follow-up with a psychiatrist may be recommended.