The Most Common Signs Of Fibromyalgia

Sensitivity To Pressure On The Skin

Individuals with fibromyalgia often report becoming more sensitive to any level of pressure being applied to their skin, a condition medically known as allodynia. This condition creates a sensation of pain or burning any time tactile pressure is placed on certain areas of the body. Commonly affected areas are the neck and chest, elbows, and buttocks. Unfortunately, there is no known permanent cure for allodynia, although reports indicate some pain medication can help lessen the pain associated with this condition, making it easier for affected individuals to tolerate and thus, to return to their daily activities without distraction.

Sleep Disturbances

As discussed previously, chronic fatigue is one of the first symptoms patients with fibromyalgia report. Along with this fatigue, however, often comes various sleep disturbances and disorders. Individuals with fibromyalgia often report experiencing restless leg syndrome, a condition that causes an individual's legs to twitch uncontrollably or ache, typically when they are trying to sleep. Other sleep disturbances often seen alongside fibromyalgia include insomnia, a decreased quality of sleep, and frequent sleep disruptions. The lower quality of sleep means it is more difficult for the body to heal and rest, compounding many of the other symptoms of fibromyalgia.