According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), an estimated five million Americans 18 years and older are affected by fibromyalgia. Although most are diagnosed in middle age and 80 to 90 percent are women, children and men have also been diagnosed with the syndrome. Studies by NIAMS show a possible link between a fibromyalgia diagnosis and the presence of other specific rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and erythematosus.
Pain and Tenderness
Fibromyalgia pain is dull, constant ache, typically in the muscles and on both sides of the body and both below and above the waist. Additional pain is felt when pressure is applied to "tender points" of the body, specifically located between the shoulder blades, on the back of the head, top of the shoulders, front sides of the neck, outer elbows, upper chest, sides of the hips, upper hips and inner knees.
Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue
Fibromyalgia patients will often awake tired after an extended period of sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is believed to be caused by fibromyalgia patients not reaching the restorative deep stage of sleep, as well as sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
Other Conditions
Fibromyalgia patients often experience coexisting conditions such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, osteoarthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Associated Problems
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, fibromyalgia sufferers often experience a wide variety of other problems. Some examples are morning stiffness, cognitive and memory problems, numbness and/or tingling of the extremities and sensitivity to temperature, bright lights or loud noises. There is also a heightened level of frustration due to dealing with a misunderstood condition, as well as dealing with a medical condition that can interfere with your ability to function at home or on the job and maintain close personal and family relationships.
