A type of chronic condition, fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS is characterized by bodily pain. The guide below explores the condition’s symptoms to help determine if you have it or a related health issue such as chronic fatigue syndrome. Get a diagnosis from your physician to discuss a long-term fibromyalgia treatment plan.

What Are Possible Indicators of Fibromyalgia?

1. Pain, Tenderness, & Stiffness All Over

Likened to tendinitis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis symptoms, you may feel fibromyalgia pain throughout your body, including in your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The pain can be throbbing, dull, sharp, or aching, and you may notice tender points when you press on your skin. You may also feel stiffness in your muscles and joints when you wake up, which can last 15 minutes to all day.

2. Sleep Issues & Fatigue

The chronic condition can result in brain activity that disrupts your sleep, causing you to wake periodically throughout the night. If you experience sleep issues regularly because of fibromyalgia, the resulting fatigue makes you feel exhausted and less likely to engage in daily activities.

3. Headaches

Bodily pain from fibromyalgia can extend to the head, resulting in tension headaches and migraines. Muscle stiffness in the neck exacerbates headache pain, as can external factors such as seasonal allergies. Heart palpitations can also occur as the pain intensifies.

4. Elimination Issues

Fibromyalgia may mean experiencing gastrointestinal issues, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. And while research concerning the connection between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel problems is ongoing, health experts believe it has to do with an overactive nervous system.

5. Anxiety & Depression

The stress of pain, sleep problems, and other fibromyalgia symptoms can affect your mood, resulting in anxiety and depression. Continual low feelings can cause concentration issues, especially when they’re combined with sleeplessness that affects your ability to focus and overcome irritability. You may even experience short-term memory issues and mental fogginess because your ability to concentrate isn’t as sharp. 

Say no to a life of debilitating pain by scheduling fibromyalgia treatment with Avicenna Acupuncture. Headed by a formal medical doctor and occupational therapist, this wellness center has served the Denver Metro, CO, area since 2009, offering acupuncture and custom herbal formulas among other holistic services, which can reduce body pain. Call (303) 803-0675 today to book an appointment or visit the center online to learn more about their fibromyalgia treatment options.