Fibromyalgia Pain Overview
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas of the body. People with fibromyalgia may also experience sleep disturbances, difficulty with cognitive function (known as “fibro fog”), and emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, and it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but a variety of treatments, including medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies, can help to manage the condition and improve quality of life.
Common Causes of Fibromyalgia Pain:
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, and it is likely that the condition develops as a result of a combination of factors. Some potential contributing factors that have been identified include:
- Genetics: Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the condition.
- Environmental factors: Certain environmental triggers, such as physical or emotional trauma, infections, or exposure to toxins, may increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia.
- Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression have been linked to the development of fibromyalgia, and these conditions may also contribute to the severity of the condition.
- Hormonal imbalances: Abnormal levels of certain hormones, such as serotonin and cortisol, may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia.
- Physical or emotional trauma: People who have experienced physical or emotional trauma, such as a car accident or abuse, may be at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.
- Infections: Some research suggests that infections, such as pneumonia or hepatitis, may trigger fibromyalgia in some people.
Not everyone with fibromyalgia will have the same set of contributing factors, and the condition can develop in people with no known risk factors.
Fibromyalgia Pain Symptoms:
The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread musculoskeletal pain lasting more than three months. This pain is often described as a constant, dull ache affecting both sides of the body and the upper and lower areas. In addition to pain, people with fibromyalgia may also experience:
- Fatigue: Fibromyalgia can cause extreme tiredness (fatigue), even after a full night’s sleep.
- Tender points: People with fibromyalgia often have tender points on their body. These are specific areas of the body that are tender to the touch and can be painful when pressed. There are 18 recognized tender points on the body, and a person is diagnosed with fibromyalgia if they have 11 or more tender points.
- Sleep problems: Many people with fibromyalgia have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue.
- Cognitive problems: “Fibro fog,” or difficulty with memory, concentration, and mental clarity, is a common problem for people with fibromyalgia.
- Emotional symptoms: Fibromyalgia can also cause emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mood changes.
Fibromyalgia symptoms can vary in intensity, and some people may experience flare-ups of symptoms followed by periods of relief. The condition can also accompany other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Common Fibromyalgia Pain Conditions:
Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other medical conditions, which can contribute to the severity of the condition and make it more challenging to manage. Some common conditions that are often seen in people with fibromyalgia include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Tension headaches: A type of headache that is characterized by a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head, as well as tightness in the neck and scalp.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: A condition that affects the jaw joint and muscles, causing pain in the jaw, face, neck, and head.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: A condition that is characterized by extreme tiredness that is not relieved by rest and that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.
- Anxiety and depression: People with fibromyalgia are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the symptoms of the condition.
Not everyone with fibromyalgia will have all these conditions, and the specific conditions that a person experiences can vary.
Fibromyalgia Pain FAQ
Is fibromyalgia pain the same as chronic pain?
Can fibromyalgia pain be relieved?
Can fibromyalgia pain be caused by stress?
Can fibromyalgia pain be cured?
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Meet Our Pain Management & Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. Monica Misak
Interventional Pain Specialist
Dr. James Yu, D.O.
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Board Certified Interventional
Pain Management Physician
Dylan J. O'Rourke
Certified Physician Assistant
Pain Conditions Affecting Daily Life
Improve your quality of life with our comprehensive approach to pain management
We are dedicated to finding individualized treatment options tailored to fit your needs. Our team is dedicated to helping you lead a productive and active life, free from pain and disruption.
We use an integrative approach to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and assess your condition.
Physical examination and review of your medical history. We assess the cause of your pain, determine its severity and duration, and help you develop an individualized treatment plan.
We provide a range of treatments and procedures to address your chronic pain. These include nerve blocks, injections, physical therapy, implantable therapies and more. We also offer health education to help you better manage your condition.