“Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain around the body. This stems from an issue associated with how the nervous system processes pain signals.
Fibromyalgia also causes symptoms such as tiredness, depression, & mental fog.
Doctors may not immediately consider fibromyalgia when evaluating these types of symptoms, because pain is also common with many other conditions. That’s one reason why it takes an average of five years for people with this disorder to get diagnosed” [1], & why it is absolutely crucial to consult an Experienced Pain Specialist
Making a Record of Your Symptoms
This is the first step towards getting you on the road to improved health. All you have to do, is to compile a daily diary in which you record any symptoms, noting the time, and what you were doing when they occurred. Then, when you have an online or in-person consultation with a Pain Specialist, you will be able to give them an accurate record of what you have been going through. Moreover, it will be much more accurate, and quicker, as you will not have to spend a lot of the appointment time recalling events.
What Are the Main Main Signs & Symptoms I Should be Looking Out For?
The prime symptom of fibromyalgia is tenderness and pain in the body’s joints and muscles. Such pain can move from place to place, however, in order to qualify for a diagnosis, you must have experienced this pain for a minimum of three months [1].
Fibromyalgia also brings about various other symptoms, including:
• Lack of energy
• Tiredness
• Insomnia
• Anxiety or depression
• Difficulty concentrating & memory issues (sometimes referred to as ‘fibro fog’)
• Muscle cramps or twitching
• Headaches
• Tingling or numbness the feet & hands
• Skin issues including burning & itching [1].
“Between 40% & 70% of people with fibromyalgia also have uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)”
Such symptoms to watch out for, include:
• Constipation and/or diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Gas
• Belly pain [1]
Furthermore, up to 70% of sufferers experience regular migraine or tension headaches, and in many cases, these are extreme. Such symptoms could emanate from painful shoulder, neck or head muscles.
Consulting a Pain Specialist
Having an online or in-person appointment with an Experienced Pain Specialist should be a priority if you think that you may be suffering from Fibromyalgia. – The sooner you get an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you will be on the road to better health and well-being.
Reference
[1]. Watson, S. (2018). “Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia.” Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia/signs-of-fibromyalgia
