Fibromyalgia refers to a chronic condition where you constantly feel fatigued and have numerous tender points on your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion because doctors run a battery of tests and find no specific problems. If you think you may suffer from fibromyalgia, there are specific symptoms to keep in mind.
Pain
According to the Mayo Clinic, you may feel a constant, dull and achy pain originating in your muscles. This pain must be located on both sides of your body and above and below your waist, states Medline Plus. You must also have 11 out of 18 tender points on your body to have fibromyalgia. These tender points are located on the back of your head, on the top of your shoulders, between your shoulder blades, on the front of your neck, on your elbows, on the inside of your knees, on your upper chest and on the sides or upper part of your hip.
Fatigue
The National Fibromyalgia Association states the condition produces extreme fatigue. You may normally be fatigued after having a bout of insomnia or working long hours. However, the fatigue in fibromyalgia wreaks havoc on your life. You may be unable to work, go to school or maintain personal relationships because you are too exhausted.
General Symptoms
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, you may also experience headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, memory problems, increased heart beat, sleeping problems, and tingling and numbness, according to Medline Plus.
Other Medical Conditions
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with fibromyalgia also suffer from other medical conditions, including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, restless leg syndrome, endometriosis (condition characterized by vaginal bleeding and potential infertility) and rheumatoid arthritis.
