Fibromyalgia Symptoms - Do You Have FMS?
Fibromyalgia symptoms include neuromuscular pain, fatigue and sleep disorders and occur in around two to four percent of the population. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease the cause of which is not yet known. However, the syndrome can be treated and managed so you can continue with your daily activities. In most cases people with fibromyalgia can learn to manage their pain and other symptoms.
Fibromyalgia symptoms are characterized by painful areas in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. The condition affects the muscles and the areas where these are joined to the bones. It is not a form of arthritic joint disease and does not cause joint deformities. Fibromyalgia is actually a kind of muscular rheumatism that results in muscular, ligament or joint pain.
Fibromyalgia symptoms may feel like muscle inflammation but in fact fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation. The way in which various factors are related to each other are better understood these days for example the way in which disturbed deep sleep may cause the onset or aggravation of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia symptoms are most commonly found in women between twenty and sixty years of age. The condition is encountered in twenty times as many women as men. It may occur after a viral or bacterial illness or traumatic event. A person who has the syndrome will experience pain in eleven of eighteen pre-determined 'trigger points' in the body. These points are diagnostic for the syndrome.
A person is usually diagnosed with the condition if the following fibromyalgia symptoms are present:
* Pain that is widespread in the body for longer that three months
* Neck, shoulder, knee, elbow, upper buttock, or thigh pain
* Sleeping difficulties
* Morning or late afternoon tiredness
* Mood changes.
* Irritable bowel syndrome.
* Headaches or migraines.
* Difficulty concentrating.
* Numbness and tingling in hands, arms, feet, legs or face.
* Abdominal pain.
* Bloating.
* Constipation.
* Diarrhea - are all common fibromyalgia symptoms.
Fibromyalgia symptoms like depression have been noted in about 25% of patients. Instead of depression you may experience anxiety and difficulty concentrating. There may also be numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. You might also be sensitive to light or temperature changes.
If you think you might be experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms it is important to rule out any other illnesses that may be causing your pain. Make an appointment with your doctor for a proper examination. He or she will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment based on your unique symptoms.
