Fibromyalgia:  What It Is and How to Manage It What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a common condition that causes pain in the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. The pain occurs in certain parts of the body, and these painful areas are called tender points.  The drawing below shows areas where tender points are common.

How can my doctor tell that I have fibromyalgia? Increased sensitivity to pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia.  Many other symptoms also occur in patients with this disorder.  Symptoms may come and go. You may have some degree of constant pain, but the severity of pain may vary in response to activity, stress, weather changes and other factors.  You may have a deep ache or a burning pain.  You may have muscle tightening or spasms.  Many patients have migratory pain (pain that moves around the body).

Most people with fibromyalgia feel tired or out of energy.  This fatigue may be mild or very severe.  You may also have trouble sleeping, and this may add to the fatigue. You may have feelings of numbness or tingling in parts of your body, or a sensation of poor blood flow in some areas.  Many patients are very sensitive to odors, bright lights, loud noises and even medicines.  Headaches and jaw pain are also common.

Digestive symptoms are also common in fibromyalgia and include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, gas, cramping abdominal pain, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some patients have urinary complaints, including frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate and pain in the bladder area.  Women with fibromyalgia often have pelvic symptoms, including pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods and painful sexual intercourse.