What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
The main symptoms are pains, tender areas, and tiredness. Some people also develop other symptoms. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. The severity can also vary from day to day in the same person.
Pain
The pain can occur in the muscles and fibrous tissues of any area of the body. But, most commonly the pain is in the neck and back. Many areas can be affected, and some people feel the pain 'all over'. The pain can vary from day to day, and may be made worse by stress, cold or activity. After a nights sleep, you may also feel quite 'stiff' for a few hours.
Tender areas
There are usually several small areas which are quite tender ('tender spots'). If someone presses on one of these it is likely to make you wince. The common sites for these are shown in the diagram. However, most of the body is not tender, and it is not known why some small areas become so tender.
Tiredness
Tiredness (fatigue) is common, and is sometimes severe. In some cases it is more distressing than the pain. It is also common to have a poor sleep pattern. You may wake feeling exhausted. Many people feel worst first thing in the morning, but improve in the afternoon. Even a small amount of activity may make you tired. The tiredness may cause you to have poor concentration, and so you may appear to be forgetful.
Other symptoms which may also develop include:
- Headaches.
- Irritable bladder - you may need to go to the toilet more frequently than usual.
- Painful periods.
- Pins and needles in fingers and/or toes.
- Feeling as if your hands or feet are swollen (although they are not actually swollen).
- Depression, weepiness or anxiety. It is not clear whether these symptoms are part of 'fibromyalgia syndrome', or develop as a result of having this condition.
Symptoms similar to 'irritable bowel syndrome' - with abdominal pains, sometimes with diarrhoea, constipation or bloating.
Fibromyalgia causes widespread muscle and soft tissue pain, tenderness, and fatigue. A person with fibromyalgia will experience pain when "trigger points" are pressed.
What does massage therapy do for fibromyalgia patients? With good communication, massage offers temporary relief of symptoms, moves interstitial blood and lymph which, because of congestion, I believe makes the body feel "toxic." Massage also helps improve the chances for quality sleep which is generally lacking in the lives of affected individuals. Many fibromyalgia symptoms: pain, stiffness, fatigue, depression can be relieved with massage therapy because it alters the sleep pattern, which reduces levels of the chemical messenger for pain.
During a session with a fibromyalgia client, I work lightly and progress slowly in doing deep muscle work. Deep muscle work is built upon over time and generally not at all during your first session in order to get a better understanding of each individual. Similar to my work with a MS client, I listen very closely to your needs and will make adjustments to treatment accordingly.