No one knows how fibromyalgia develops. Many researchers think it happens when the nervous system, body chemicals, and muscles interact in a way that makes pain signals stronger.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia are different in everyone and can change over time. They may get better or go away for a while during remission, then come back or get worse during flare-ups.

Treatments can help manage many fibromyalgia symptoms. Learn about the options available.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Most fibromyalgia symptoms fall into three main categories: pain, cognitive problems, 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 often comes with 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 disorder (TMJ), painful bladder syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome are also common in people with fibromyalgia. These add to the overall burden of pain. Menstrual pain may also be worse if you have 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 in fibromyalgia, as they are for all chronic health conditions. Uncontrolled depression and anxiety can make symptoms feel worse. If you’re struggling with your mental health, talk with your doctor. They can connect you with 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 improve even 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 make you more sensitive 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. It’s 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 can’t 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 diagnosing fibromyalgia, doctors need to rule out other conditions that could cause the same symptoms.

Join the Conversation

On MyFibroTeam, people share their experiences with fibromyalgia, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are you having any of these symptoms of fibromyalgia? What are your most common symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.