No one knows how fibromyalgia develops. Many researchers believe it involves an interaction between the nervous system, body chemistry, and muscles that results in an intensification of pain signals.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary in each individual and can change over time. Symptoms may decrease or disappear during periods of remission, only to reappear or worsen with subsequent disease flares.

Treatments can effectively manage many fibromyalgia symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Most fibromyalgia symptoms fall within the broad categories of pain, cognitive symptoms, and general symptoms.

Pain

Widespread chronic pain is the defining symptom of fibromyalgia. Types of pain vary and may be described as shooting, burning, stabbing, tingling, aching, or throbbing. Fibromyalgia pain is often accompanied by stiffness or numbness. The pain may get worse when a person with fibromyalgia is cold, tired, under emotional or physical stress, or getting too little exercise.

Migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ, painful bladder syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome are also common for people with fibromyalgia. These add to the overall burden of pain. Menstrual pain may also be worse for people with fibromyalgia.

Some people with fibromyalgia notice lumps or bumps underneath their skin. The lumps may feel tender or painful.

Cognitive Symptoms

Many people with fibromyalgia experience cognitive difficulties. Cognitive changes, often referred to as “fibro fog” or “cog fog,” can include problems with memory, focus, paying attention, processing information, forgetting or confusing words, learning and remembering new things, and organization.

Depression and anxiety are common among those with fibromyalgia, as they are for all chronic health conditions. Uncontrolled depression and anxiety can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. If you notice difficulties with your mental health, let your doctor know. They can refer you to a therapist or counselor who can help.

General Symptoms

Fatigue is one of the most common fibromyalgia symptoms, and it can be debilitating. With fibromyalgia, fatigue doesn’t go away after you rest.

Many people with fibromyalgia have trouble sleeping and often wake up tired. Sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea, are common for people with fibromyalgia, making it even harder to get a restful night’s sleep.

Fibromyalgia may also heighten sensitivity to bright light, noise, and temperature.

Many people with fibromyalgia experience digestive symptoms, such as bloating and constipation, possibly due to an overlap with irritable bowel syndrome. Urinary symptoms such as irritable bladder, painful bladder syndrome, or interstitial cystitis are also common.

Learn more about the top 5 most common fibromyalgia symptoms among MyFibroTeam members.

What Are the Early Signs of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia begins differently for each person. For many people, fatigue and pain are among the first symptoms they feel. Others may notice cognitive issues. Some people experience multiple symptoms at once.

Fibromyalgia is most commonly diagnosed in middle age, and the risk increases with age. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed less commonly in children.

Talk to your doctor if you think you’re having symptoms of fibromyalgia.

What Symptoms Lead to a Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone because most fibromyalgia symptoms overlap with several other health conditions. The process of diagnosing fibromyalgia can take months or years.

Your doctor will want to know if you have experienced pain in many places on both sides of your body for at least three months. They will want to know about any symptoms you have besides pain, including digestive problems, fatigue, and mental health issues. Before reaching a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, doctors must rule out all other conditions that could potentially cause the symptoms.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyFibroTeam, the social network for people with fibromyalgia and their loved ones, more than 289,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with fibromyalgia.

Are you having any of these symptoms of fibromyalgia? What are your most common symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.