Pain. The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is pain, both pain experienced in certain precise locations called tender points and generalized pain [ See Box Criteria for Classifying Fibromyalgia]. The pain of fibromyalgia is often is described as follows:
.....Tender point pain occurs in local sites (tender points), usually in the neck and shoulders, and then radiates out. It occurs specifically in areas where the muscles attach to bone or ligaments. (The joints themselves are not affected, however, so they are not deformed nor do they deteriorate as they may in arthritic conditions.) There are no lumps or nodes associated with these points and no signs of inflammation (swelling, redness, heat).
.....The experience of widespread pain is similar to that of arthritis and has been described as stiffness, burning, radiating, and aching. Most patients report feeling some pain all the time, and many describe it as "exhausting." The pain can vary, depending on the time of day, weather changes, physical activity, and the presence of stressful situations. The pain is often more intense after disturbed sleep.
* Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances. Another major complaint is fatigue, which some patients report as being more debilitating than the pain. Sleep disturbances, particularly restless leg syndrome, are also very common. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are, in fact, almost universal in patients with fibromyalgia, and if these symptoms are not present, then some experts believe that physicians should seek a diagnosis other than fibromyalgia.
* Other Symptoms. Other symptoms that occur more often than average in fibromyalgia patients are the following:
There is much more to read about Fibromyalgia at the following website:
1.) Enter: http://www.cchs.net/hinfo/
2.) Click: Well-Connected Patient Education Reports;
3.) Scroll down and click: Fibromyalgia