Causes and Diagnosis
The precise cause of fibromyalgia is still not clear, so you can’t prevent it. You can only control it, of course, if you know that you have it in the first place.
Since no specific test can help doctors diagnose fibromyalgia, they ask their patients if they feel the below-listed symptoms.
Also, they use a number of criteria such as complete blood count, thyroid test, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, MRI, X-rays, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
If you have many of these symptoms, consult your doctor.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Muscle and Body
- Morning stiffness
- Mild to severe pain that may spread to other parts of the body
- Muscle Twitching
- Tender and lumpy breasts
- Swelling
Problems with Sleeping
- Grinding teeth
- Fatigue
- Hypnic jerk, the feeling of falling while sleeping
- Muscle twitching during sleep
- Broken sleeping pattern /difficulty sleeping, thus feeling lethargic and tired every morning
Sinus & Allergy Problems
- Thick mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Ringing ears
- A runny nose and post nasal drip
- Allergies, sensitivity to yeasts and molds
- Earaches and itchy ears
Digestion and Stomach Issues
- Frequent urination
- Nausea, bloating, pelvic pain, and abdominal cramps
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Sensitivity and Sensory Problems
- Difficulty seeing in low lighting and night driving
- Increased sensitivity to light, smells, temperature, climate changes, pressure, and noise
Cognitive Problems
- Poor balance and coordination
- Short-term memory, difficulty with concentration, zone out often, and difficulty differentiating between certain color shades
- Difficulty speaking familiar words and language impairments
- Difficulty recognizing familiar surroundings; directional difficulties
- Tingling and burning in the upper limbs
Reproductive Issues
- PMS and other menstrual problems
- Impotence
- Loss of libido
Heart Problems
- Pain similar to a heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat
- Valve problems
Skin, Hair, and Nails
- Hair loss
- Nails that curve under or overly-ridged nails
- Skin that scars or bruises easily or appears mottled
Mental Health Issues
- Panic attacks, depression, anxiety
- Unexplained irritability and mood swings
Other Symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Family history
- Chocolate and carbohydrate cravings
- Vision problems
- Migraines and headaches
- Sweats
Keep in mind that all of these signs can signify another condition, being nonspecific, as well as not mean anything at all. For instance, if you have cravings, headaches, frequent mood swings, and PMS doesn’t mean that you have fibromyalgia.
