Fibromyalgia Syndrome is classified as a chronic pain disorder. People who suffer from fibromyalgia often have widespread unexplained pain in their muscles and joints. This is a major characteristic in more than 97 percent of the patients. The Arthritis Foundation describes the muscle and tissue pain as tender, aching, throbbing, sore, burning and gnawing. The pain may come and go and travel throughout the body with some people. Sensitivity to pain and fatigue in the muscles and tendons are two of the most common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Some people compare the symptom of fatigue as it being similar to having symptoms of the flu. While others say it feels like they worked for many hours nonstop. There are many other symptoms that can be attributed to fibromyalgia, so much so that fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed.

Other Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

• Chronic headaches
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disorders
• Morning stiffness
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Urinary and pelvic problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Cognitive or memory symptoms also known as fibrofog
• Weight gain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vision problems
• Myofasical pain syndrome
• Skin complaints

These are some of the common symptoms that are associated with fibromyalgia, not everyone who suffers from fibromyalgia will have all of these symptoms. It should also be noted that people who experience any of these symptoms may not necessarily have fibromyalgia. A person needs to see a doctor in order to know for sure if they have fibromyalgia. A doctor will review the symptoms of the patient to accurately determine if the patient has fibromyalgia or some other underlining condition. If the patient does indeed have fibromyalgia the doctor will come up with a treatment plan that will help the person manage their pain.