What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia (Fibromyalgia syndrome)?

From the Guidelines

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues, with symptoms such as non-refreshed sleep, mood disturbance, and cognitive impairment having a significant influence on quality of life. The primary symptoms include chronic widespread pain that feels like a constant dull ache, typically lasting for at least three months, as well as fatigue, with patients waking feeling unrefreshed despite adequate sleep time 1. Patients often experience heightened sensitivity to pressure, with specific tender points throughout the body. Cognitive difficulties, often called "fibro fog," manifest as trouble focusing, paying attention, and concentrating. Sleep disorders frequently co-occur, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Many patients also experience headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, and painful menstrual periods. Environmental sensitivities to noise, light, and temperature changes are common. Symptoms often fluctuate in intensity, with flare-ups triggered by stress, weather changes, physical activity, or lack of sleep. Some key symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Widespread musculoskeletal pain
• Fatigue
• Non-refreshed sleep
• Mood disturbance
• Cognitive impairment
• Heightened sensitivity to pressure
• Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome
• Headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, and painful menstrual periods. Fibromyalgia symptoms result from the brain and spinal cord processing pain signals abnormally, amplifying painful sensations through a process called central sensitization, as noted in the management guidelines 1.

From the Research

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia syndrome include:

• Chronic generalized pain 2, 3, 4, 5
• Fatigue 2, 3, 5, 6
• Sleep disturbances 2, 3, 5, 6
• Stiffness 2
• Cognitive impairment 2
• Psychological distress 2
• Heightened sensitivity 5
• Morning stiffness 5
• Decreased volition 5
• Depressed mood 5
• Mental fog 6
• Mood swings 6
• Headaches 6

Commonly Reported Symptoms

Patients with Fibromyalgia frequently report:

• Widespread pain 3, 5
• Fatigue 3, 5
• Sleep disturbances 3, 5
• A history of early abuse 5

Treatment-Related Symptoms

Treatment of Fibromyalgia often aims to manage symptoms such as:

• Pain 2, 3, 5
• Fatigue 2, 3, 5
• Sleep disturbances 2, 3, 5
• Depression 2, 5