Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic medical disorder that affects nearly 5 million adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). This syndrome is characterized by pain and tenderness throughout the body, the cause of which is currently unknown. Managing fibromyalgia complications may involve a number of treatments and medications, including pain medication, antidepressants, movement therapy, acupuncture or herbal supplements.
Pain
Fibromyalgia can lead to a number of medical complications, including severe, chronic and widespread pain throughout the body. The location and intensity of pain related to fibromyalgia can vary based upon the day or the individual affected by this condition. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, patients with this condition typically note that pain and stiffness is worse during the morning hours. If you have fibromyalgia, you may experience sensations of pain that can be characterized as shooting or stabbing pain, or you may develop deep aching, throbbing or twitching pain within your muscles. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that many fibromyalgia patients develop specific recurrent points of pain, which are referred to as tender points. These tender points may occurs within the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, back or hips and are painful if you place pressure on these regions of the body.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances can further complicate the diagnosis of fibromyalgia in certain patients. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, many patients with this syndrome also develop an associated sleep disorder that interferes with the ability to experience deep, restorative sleep. Patients with fibromyalgia have been noted by researchers to have specific abnormalities during Stage 4 deep sleep, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. These abnormalities cause fibromyalgia patients to experience sporadic bursts of brain activity that mimic activity patients experience while awake. These constant interruptions to sleep prevent fibromyalgia patients from being able to achieve deep sleep.
Fatigue
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, many patients with fibromyalgia develop extreme fatigue---a complicated and often difficult symptom to manage. Many people experience some level of fatigue throughout the day; however, patients with fibromyalgia experience fatigue that results in poor stamina or extreme exhaustion, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. This type of fatigue can significantly interfere with an individual's ability to work or maintain educational or personal pursuits.
Additional Complications
Patients with fibromyalgia may also develop a number of additional symptoms, which can further complicate this condition. According to NIAMS, some patients with fibromyalgia develop memory or cognitive problems---a condition commonly referred to as "fibro fog." Certain patients may experience a tingling or numb sensation within the hands or feet and some patients can develop restless leg syndrome. Headaches and light sensitivity have also been noted in patients with this condition. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, stomach cramping or irritable bowel syndrome have also been experienced by fibromyalgia patients. Women with this syndrome may also experience painful menstrual periods, characterized by painful abdominal cramping.
