Fibromyalgia affects almost six million Americans. It is a pain disorder that influences the musculoskeletal system and alters the way that pain is processed by the pain. In a sense, the pain receptors in the brain are hypersensitive which causes an increase in the experience of pain.
It also causes those with this condition to feel fatigued, often due to the fact that the pain decreases their ability to get adequate sleep. More often than not, Fibromyalgia is the result of some sort of trauma including, but not limited to, an accident, undergoing surgery, or psychological trauma.
Continue reading to learn more about the most common symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia.
Pain
After reading the above, it is likely no surprise to you to learn that the most common symptom of Fibromyalgia is pain. This pain can be experienced differently person to person. For instance, for some individuals with Fibromyalgia this pain is more of a stabbing sensation while others report that their pain is more general, and more constant. For some, it is experienced all over the body while others still experience pain in more localized areas of the body, usually centred around areas of the body known as “pain centers.”
Although there is usually no specific cause to the pain that is experienced by those with Fibromyalgia, many report that they do notice changes in their level of pain as a result of certain triggers. For instance, some report that a change in weather, especially changes in pressure or humidity) are often associated with an increased level of pain. Stress, can also lead to those with Fibromyalgia reporting higher levels of pain. More research is needed in order to better examine the link between the pain in those with Fibromyalgia and psychological factors.
