by Connie Earl Robertson

Created on: September 23, 2009   Last Updated: September 30, 2009

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are excruciating pain when you touch certain parts of your body, irregular sleep patterns, difficulty walking because of intense muscle pain and a feeling of total exhaustion. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with a host of other unexplained health problems, make an appointment to see your doctor right away. Lets take a more detailed look at the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Widespread Pain

The muscles ache deep down inside like they are sore from a lot of exercise, or like you have a bad case of the flu. They can also throb, burn, tingle, cramp or twitch. At times the skin feels like it is badly sunburned, and it may be extremely painful, even when it is only lightly touched. The pain is often worse in the morning.

Sleep Disturbances and Exhaustion

Fibromyalgia patients have a type of sleep disorder that doesn't allow them to get deep, restful sleep. According to fmaware.org the sleep of these patients is constantly interrupted by "bursts of awake-like brain activity". They often have problems falling asleep, and the ability to stay asleep is almost impossible.

The exhaustion of fibromyalgia is a type of fatigue that encompasses every area of the person's life and that interferes with all of their daily activities. It is a very profound kind of exhaustion. Some patients feel like their body is weighted down with heavy weights and that every movement is a major task.

Overlapping Conditions

There are a number of conditions from other diseases or syndromes that are often characteristic of fibromyalgia, too. These can include severe headaches or migraines, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, depression, endometriosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ringing in the ears, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, lack of coordination and post-traumatic stress.

Problems with Memory and Thinking

Fibromyalgia patients experience difficulty in assimilating new information and remembering the old. The thought process is also affected, making it very difficult for them to maintain a steady job.

Difficulties in Exercising

Exercising can cause excruciating pain for the fibromyalgia patient, however, these patients can't afford to remain idle and not exercise. Without exercise just normal daily activities will become so painful that they won't be able to function at all. According to a study in Sweden half of the patients found it impossible or difficult to climb stairs, and the majority could not run at all. One-fourth of the patients in the study found it taxing to stand in one place for 5 minutes. By starting with small amounts of exercise each day and gradually increasing it, the body will begin to adjust without severe pain.

Miscellaneous Problems

Patients often feel frustrated about their physical limitations and their inability to make plans. They may experience a lack of energy and the feeling that they have to push to get anything done. They often have sensitivities to sound, light, noise and food.

Frustration, embarrassment and fear constantly plague the fibromyalgia patient. The fact that their body no longer functions without excruciating pain and a myriad of other complications makes them hesitant to go out in public. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are very difficult to cope with on a daily basis.

Sources:

http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fibr omyalgia

http://www.fmnetnews.com/basics-symptoms.php

http://www.fmnetnews.com/basics-treatment.php

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS0007 9

http://medlineplus.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/fibromyal gia.html

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