Pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia, but the condition comes with many other symptoms. Women typically feel muscle pain throughout the body or at certain points; men with fibromyalgia often feel pain in the face and at points around the body.
The pain can rage from mild to severe. Severe pain can limit work, social activities, and everyday tasks. It may feel like a burning, gnawing, throbbing, stabbing, or aching sensation. The onset of pain may be gradual, and the pain may be worst when a person is trying to relax. The pain may seem less intense during activity.
Another major symptom of fibromyalgia is the presence of tender points around the body. These are muscles and tendons that are tender to the touch. They are typically found in the neck, back, knees, shoulders, elbows, and hips. The American Academy of Rheumatology suggests a minimum of between eleven and eighteen tender points to make a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Some health professionals do diagnose fibromyalgia in patients with fewer tender points.
Other symptoms may include:
- Moderate to severe fatigue
- Decreased energy
- Sleep problems, including insomnia
- Restless legs and arms (which may contribute to sleep disruptions)
- Difficulty remembering and concentrating
- Abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Tension headaches or migraines
- Jaw and facial tenderness
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
- Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, and/or feet
- Sensitivity to odors, noise, light, medications, certain foods, and/or cold
- Stiffness upon waking or after sitting in one position for a long time
- Painful menstrual periods
- Increase in urinary frequency (known as irritable bladder)
The symptoms may become more intense during the morning, late afternoon, and evening. The daytime hours between eleven and three tend to be the best time for many people with fibromyalgia. Activity, weather changes, emotional state, and other factors can also influence symptoms.