Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle pain, body stiffness, and fatigue. Lab tests do not diagnose it. Instead, your doctor will take your health history and examine your joints and muscles. Then, together you can design a plan to help you manage your symptoms.

People with fibromyalgia tend to have at least 11 of the 18 tender points shown above.

Tender Points

In most cases, you will have tender points on your body. These points are very sore, especially when touched. Finding several of these points helps your doctor diagnose fibromyalgia.

Other Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Along with the tender points, you may have some or all of the following symptoms:

• Constant tiredness (fatigue), even after a full night’s sleep

• A burning or throbbing pain in many parts of the body (this pain may vary during the day)

• Stiffness or aching all over your body

• Numbness or tingling in your arms and legs

• Trouble sleeping

• Bowel problems (bloating, diarrhea, constipation)

  

  A burning or throbbing pain is often associated with fibromyalgia.

• Headaches

• Depression