Today is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Fibromyalgia is much more than a widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissue. It is a common and complex chronic pain disorder that affects people physically, mentally, and socially.  It is characterized by chronic widespread pain, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and often comes with psychological distress. Symptoms can differ from day to day, with severe symptoms that can interfere with an individual’s basic daily activities. Some describe it as a flu-like infection that does not go away, leaving you exhausted and unable to think clearly. Here are the most common Fibromyalgia symptoms:

Top Ten Fibromyalgia Symptoms

  1. Pain all over
  2. Fatigue
  3. Sleep difficulties
  4. Brain fog
  5. Morning stiffness
  6. Muscle knots, cramping and weakness
  7. Digestive disorders
  8. Headaches/migraines
  9. Balance problems
  10. Itchy/burning skin

With so many different symptoms it is hard to understand how to pinpoint if you are experiencing fibromyalgia or something else. The pain that comes with the syndrome is profound, chronic and widespread. It can migrate to all parts of the body and can be described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscular aching, throbbing, and twitching. If you experience these symptoms, please see your healthcare provider or the team at Pain Specialists of Charleston.

 

Information found at: http://www.fmaware.org/