Fibromyalgia Symptoms List

Whether it’s the chronic pain, constant fatigue or a combination of these plus many others, the one symptom that is on nearly everyone’s fibromyalgia symptoms list is pain and stiffness. The pain is widespread and can escalate from mild to moderate to severe. One of Dr. Staud’s patients describes the pain as being run over by a gigantic truck over and over again. (Staud, M.D. & Adamec, 2002, p. 22)

Laboratory tests can’t diagnose fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) but they can rule out other medical problems. Although it hurts everywhere there are probably some tender points (aka trigger points) that hurt more than others when pressed. According to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, you must have 11 out of 18 trigger points. (Ostalecki, 2008, p. 6) The pain must also be present in all four “quadrants” of your body, i.e., on both the left and right sides of your body and above and below your waist. (Murphree, 2008, p. 57)

Besides the trigger points, a fibromyalgia symptoms list would include:

Fatigue

Extreme fatigue is quite common for fibromyalgia sufferers. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) seems to share quite a few symptoms with fibromyalgia.

General Stiffness

Most patients have body stiffness especially with weather changes or if they remain in one position too long. It is also frequently reported upon waking.

Sleep Troubles

Fibromyalgia sufferers may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Even if they receive adequate amounts of sleep by the usual standards, they may awake feeling unrefreshed. Restless Leg Syndrome could also contribute to the problem.

Headaches and Facial Discomfort

Sometimes the headaches are caused by the tenderness in the neck and shoulder area or around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Poor Digestion

Many people with FMS have poor digestion or problems assimilating foods especially certain amino acids. “Low levels of five amino acids—histidine, methionine, tryptophan, isoleucine, and leucine—and low urinary levels of norepinephrine and dopamine have been identified in FMS patients with an accuracy of 81%.” (Murphree, 2008, p. 58)

Memory Problems

Fibro fog, also known as “brain fog,” is a common complaint. It is actually a temporary mental confusion resulting in difficulty concentrating. These cognitive disorders can vary from day to day. They can include difficulty concentrating, word mix-ups when speaking or writing, memory lapses and clumsiness. (Murphree, 2008, p. 58)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

FMS patients may have digestive disturbances, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. Seventy-three percent of Dr. Jessop’s patients have this condition. (Murphree, 2008, p. 60)

Numbness or Tingling

This is known as parethesia, or “pins and needles.” It feels like a burning or prickling sensation in your legs, hands or feet.

Urinary Problems

FMS sufferers may have a greater urgency to urinate or an increase in frequency.

Low Pain Threshold (Allodynia)

FMS sufferers “perceive pain that would normally not be felt by healthy individuals.” This could be caused by low levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. (Murphree, 2008, p. 59)

Over Amplification of Pain Sensation (Hyperalgesia)

Bump your knee, stub your toe, or a punch in the shoulder by a friend wouldn’t hurt more than a few minutes for a “normal” person but a person with FMS may feel it for hours and it may hurt more than you’d expect.

Depression

Most patients battle depression. Whether this is a symptom of the disease or a result of all the other problems it is hard to determine.

Lower Body Temperature

Sixty-five percent of Carol Jessop’s patients “reported they had a low temperature, suggesting low thyroid and metabolism.” (Murphree, 2008, p. 59)

Low Blood Pressure

A large percentage (86%) of Carol Jessop’s patients had low blood pressure, possibly “indicating dysautonomia and poor adrenal function.” (Murphree, 2008, p. 59)

White Spots on Fingernails/Toenails

This indicates low zinc, poor digestion or malabsorption problems.

Painful Menstrual Cramps

Chemical Sensitivities

Common sensitivities reported by FMS patients include gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, pesticides, certain solvents, new carpet, paints, glue, fiberglass, carbonless copy paper, fabric softener, formaldehyde, carpet shampoos, perfumes and deodorants.

Yeast (Candida Albicans)

An amazing 82% of FMS patients tested positive for yeast in their stool cultures.

Tinnitus

Some people with fibromyalgia experience a ringing in the ears.

Bibliography

Murphree, R. H. (2008). Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Step-by-step Program Proven to Help You Get Well! Birmingham, AL, USA: Harrison and Hampton Publishing, Inc.

Ostalecki, S. (2008). Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide From Medical Experts and Patients. Sudbury, MA, USA: Jones and Barlett Publishers.

Staud, M.D., R., & Adamec, C. (2002). Fibromyalgia For Dummies. New York, NY, USA: Wiley Publishing, Inc.