Early Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia Everyone Should Be Aware Of

Chronic Headaches

Individuals dealing with fibromyalgia often report experiencing chronic headaches, as one study of 100 patients with chronic headaches or migraines, discovered that out of these 100, thirty-six also had fibromyalgia. The patients with both conditions experienced greater pain severity, disability, and depression compared to patients who just experienced chronic headaches.

Fibromyalgia patients experience chronic headaches due to the increased excitation within the nervous system, meaning the nervous system over-responds to stimulation that is not normally painful. Similar to migraines, abnormalities in serotonin, the hormone that is responsible for controlling pain, may be a contributing factor to the increased excitation individuals with fibromyalgia deal with. High levels of substance P, a brain chemical that is involved in pain sensation, are incredibly high in patients with this condition, which may also contribute to them experiencing chronic headaches.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition that causes abdominal pain, discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS often co-exists with fibromyalgia: up to seventy percent of people with fibromyalgia have IBS. Both conditions are associated with hypersensitivity of cells to stimuli. In IBS, the intestines are hypersensitive, and in fibromyalgia, the muscle tissues and skin are hypersensitive. In either case, the brain does not function properly to limit pain sensations from stimuli, which increases feelings of pain in sufferers. Patients with IBS tend to have pain in their pelvic area and problems with digestion. Some treatments to help reduce IBS symptoms include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and relaxation techniques. Always speak with a doctor before starting any treatment.