FREE RESOURCE: Fibromyalgia Symptoms Checklist (within our free e-book!)
What Conditions Are Associated With Fibromyalgia?
When looking at symptoms, we need to keep in mind the common comorbidities of fibromyalgia, as many of the symptoms overlap. The term comorbidity refers to the presence of more than one disorder in the same person. Fibromyalgia's common comorbidities include:
irritable bowel syndrome
chronic fatigue syndrome
tension or migraine headaches
temporomandibular disorder
hypothyroidism
major depressive disorder
rheumatoid arthritis
systemic lupus erythematosus
Most Common Symptoms
Widespread pain
Fatigue/unrefreshed sleep
Sleep disturbances
Pain & Stiffness Related Symptoms
Widespread muscle aches
Tenderness to the touch
Headaches
Migraine or tension headaches
Jaw pain/TMJ disorder
Abdominal pain
Pelvic pain
Tender lymph nodes
Sore throat
Sleep Related Symptoms
Fatigue
Insomnia
Difficulty staying asleep
Cognitive Related Symptoms
Brain fog (referred to as "fibro fog")
Thinking difficulties
Poor concentration
Poor memory
Eyes/Ears/Nose Symptoms
Sensitivity to light
Dry eyes, nose
Ringing ears
Sensitivity to sound
Digestive Symptoms
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Constipation
Bloating
Gas
Nausea
Dry mouth
Pelvic Symptoms
Pelvic pain
Bladder irritation
Incontinence
Irritable or overactive bladder
Painful menstrual cramps
Other Symptoms
Restless legs
Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
Poor temperature control
Numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
Coordination problems (unexplained clumsiness or poor control of body movement)
Making Sense of Fibromyalgia Symptoms
When thinking about the randomness of these symptoms, it's essential to think about fibromyalgia as what it is: abnormal processing of the central nervous system. Therefore, all parts of the body are impacted, not just the musculoskeletal system, as once believed. To learn more about the science behind fibromyalgia, head over to this blog post: How to Reduce Your Fibromyalgia Pain in 30 Minutes.
Sources
Clauw, D. (2015). Fibromyalgia and related conditions. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(5), 680–692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.014
Goldenberg, L. (2008). Understanding fibromyalgia and its related disorders. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry, 10(2), 133–144. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v10n0208
Imrie, R. (2017). Fibromyalgia. InnovAiT, 10(1), 45–50. https://doi.org/10.1177/1755738016638865
Kengen Traska, T., Rutledge, D. N., Mouttapa, M., Weiss, J., & Aquino, J. (2012). Strategies used for managing symptoms by women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(5‐6), 626-635. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03501.x
Lichtenstein, A., Tiosano, S., & Amital, H. (2018). The complexities of fibromyalgia and its comorbidities. Current opinion in rheumatology, 30(1), 94–100. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000464
Wolfe, F., Clauw, D. J., Fitzcharles, M. A., Goldenberg, D. L., Häuser, W., Katz, R. L., Mease, P. J., Russell, A. S., Russell, I. J., & Walitt, B. (2016). 2016 Revisions to the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 46(3), 319–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2016.08.012
Disclaimer
Fibromyalgia is not a "one size fits all" diagnosis. What works for some doesn't work for others. The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Should you have any health-related questions, please consult your physician or other health care provider promptly.
Teresa & Hannah are fellow fibromyalgia warriors. Teresa is a certified dietary manager and wellness coach. Hannah is an occupational therapist. Together, we're a mother-daughter duo on a mission to empower others to fight against fibro.