Fibromyalgia is a long-term or chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression.
Symptoms
- Widespread pain
- Fatigue
- Cognitive difficulties
- sleeping for long periods of time without feeling rested
- headache
- dry eyes and dry mouth
- chest wall pain
- numbness and tingling,
- weight gain
Common trigger points include:
- back of the head
- tops of shoulders
- upper chest
- hips and knees
- outer elbows
Causes
- Genetics
- Infection
- Physical or emotional trauma
- Stress