7 Early Signs of Fibromyalgia
Last updated 18/03/2022 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health
7 Early Signs of Fibromyalgia
Here are 7 early signs of Fibromyalgia that allow you to recognize the chronic disorder at an early stage and get the right treatment.
An early diagnosis is very important for making the right decisions regarding treatment, training and adjustments in everyday life. Neither of these characters means you have on your own Fibromyalgia, but if you experience any of the symptoms, we recommend that you consult your GP for a consultation.
- We Want More Focus on Chronic Pain
We experience that the chronic pain patient is a neglected and often forgotten patient group. More focus should be placed on research aimed at a condition that affects so many - although it turns out that many do not agree with this, unfortunately - which is why we encourage you to share this article on social media, preferably via our Facebook page and say: "Yes to more research on fibromyalgia". Feel free to press the "share" button (share button) later in the article to share the post further on your facebook. In this way, one can help to make the 'invisible disease' more visible and ensure that grants for research on new treatment methods are given priority.
- At our interdisciplinary departments at Vondtklinikkene in Oslo (Lambert seats) and Viken (Eidsvoll Sound og Raw wood) our clinicians have a uniquely high professional competence in assessment, treatment and rehabilitation training for pain in the heel and foot. Click on the links or here to read more about our departments.
- Symptoms may vary
We know that the early signs of fibromyalgia are very variable from person to person and thus note that the following symptoms and clinical signs are a generalization - and that the article does not contain the full list of possible symptoms that can be affected in an early phase of fibro, but rather an attempt to show the most common symptoms in an early phase of fibromyalgia.
Feel free to use the comment field at the bottom of this article if you miss something - then we will do our best to add it. We also remind you that you will find a training video almost at the bottom of the article.
Also read: 5 Movement Exercises for Those with Fibromyalgia (includes training video)
1. «Fibro fog»
Fibrous fog, also known as "brain fog", is a symptom that many people with fibromyalgia suffer from. - and which often becomes apparent quite early in the diagnosis. Brain fog can lead to temporary impaired ability to think clearly (hence "fog") and to find the right words when speaking.
Short-term memory can be affected and the person can formulate differently and more incoherently than they normally do. It is a scary and confusing symptom, as it can be an obvious strain for those affected. Many people notice improvement if they get enough rest.
Affected? Join the Facebook group «Rheumatism - Norway: Research and news»(Click here) for the latest updates on research and media writing about this disorder. Here, members can also get help and support - at all times of the day - through the exchange of their own experiences and advice. We also recommend the Norwegian Rheumatism Association (NRF) where you can also receive very good follow-up and support through their nationwide association.
2. Allodynia: Abnormally increased sensitivity to touch
A characteristic sign of fibromyalgia is the increased feeling and pain of regular touch. In other words - increased sensitivity in the skin and muscles. Allodynia means that even normal contact (which should not hurt) - such as if someone is squeezing you lightly on a muscle or stroking your skin - can be painful.
The symptom is particularly present if the affected person has not recovered or is mentally tired.
3. Paresthesia: Sensory changes
Abnormal feelings such as tremor and numbness in the muscles and on the skin can be experienced by people affected by fibromyalgia. Often, there is, again, physical and emotional stress that seems to be the main factor and trigger mechanism behind this problem.
Thus, it is methods and forms of treatment that can help to ensure better function in everyday life, as well as reduce negative factors, which become extra important.
Chronic fatigue and weakness
Fibromyalgia can cause considerable stress on the body and mind - which in turn can result in a feeling of being tired almost all the time. Due to high pain sensitivity in the muscles, many people can also experience decreased muscle strength caused by pain and affecting nerve function.
This lasting fatigue and feeling of being constantly tired can also result in impaired exercise and ability.
5. Fibromyalgia headache
Those affected by fibromyalgia have increased sensitivity in the muscle fibers, which in turn gives more and stronger pain signals - often even with light touch (allodynia). This leads to an increased incidence of headaches and especially a type of combination headache called «fibromyalgia headache«.
Also read: Study: Q10 may relieve fibromyalgia headaches
6. Increased sweating activity
Have you noticed that you sweat more than normal? Researchers believe that the increased sweating activity among those affected by fibromyalgia (and also those affected by ME/CFS) is primarily due to overactive autoimmune responses - ie an immune system that constantly works overtime and is on its toes 24/7.
It is also believed that the increased sensitivity of the skin can cause you to react more to heat and cold than others.
7. Sleep problems
Due to elevated pain levels and an almost constant feeling of "pain" in the body, it is often difficult for those affected to sleep. And when they are allowed to sleep, it is the case that the deep sleep is often far away - and that they remain in what we call "REM sleep" - that is, the 'weakest' and most restless form of sleep.
The problem with this is that sleep deprivation leads to a significant increase in muscle sensitivity and pain. - so then it is easy to end up in a vicious circle where one interferes with the other factor.
This underlines how important sleep is for those with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. There are tips and tricks on how to improve sleep - something you can read more about in the article here .
Recommended Self-Measures for Fibromyalgia
Good tip: - Acupressure mats can be helpful for relaxation
Many of our patients ask us questions about which self-measures we recommend for fibromyalgia. Due to the fact that the symptoms can vary, this can also be difficult to answer. But we know that fibromyalgia causes increased muscle tension and often increased muscle sensitivity. A natural self-measure is therefore relaxation. More feel that acupressure mat works well to reduce tension in the back and neck. The mat we link to here and via the picture above also has a separate neck part that makes it easier to work the neck muscles. For many, this can be a good investment in their own health.
Feel free to share in social media
Again, we want to ask nicely to share this article in social media or via your blog(please link directly to the article). Understanding and increased focus are the first steps towards a better everyday life for those affected by chronic pain, rheumatism and fibromyalgia.
Suggestion:
Option A: Share directly on FB - Copy the website address and paste it into your facebook page or in a relevant facebook group you are a member of. Or, press the “share” button below to share the post further on your facebook.
Touch this to share further. A big thank you to everyone who helps promote increased understanding of fibromyalgia and chronic pain diagnoses!
Option B: Link directly to the article on your blog or website.
Option C: Follow and equal Our Facebook page
Fibromyalgia Causes Increased Pain In Muscles And Joints - How To Relieve Them
Below we present a training video with customized exercise exercises that can help you relieve your pain.
VIDEO: 5 Movement Exercises for Those with Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia often causes significant pain in the muscles, tendons and joints. This exercise video below aims to help you increase joint mobility, relieve pain and increase local blood circulation. Click below to see.
Join our family and subscribe to our YouTube channel (click here) for free exercise tips, exercise programs and health knowledge. Welcome! It means a lot to us. Thank you very much.
Questions? Or do you want to book an appointment at one of our affiliated clinics?
We offer modern assessment, treatment and rehabilitation training of chronic and rheumatic pain diagnoses.
Feel free to contact us via one of our specialized clinics (the clinic overview opens in a new window) or on vår Facebook-side (Vondtklinikkene - Health and Exercise) if you have any questions. For appointments, we have XNUMX-hour online booking at the various clinics so that you can find the consultation time that suits you best. You can also call us within the clinic's opening hours. We have interdisciplinary departments in Oslo (included Lambert seats) and Viken (Raw wood og Eidsvoll). Our skilled therapists look forward to hearing from you.
NEXT PAGE: 7 Ways LDN Can Help Against Fibromyalgia
Click above to proceed to the next page.
Good morning good people. :) I wonder if anyone has any idea what it might be I'm suffering from. When I have severe pain both muscular in all joints (moves in which joints I have inflammation) and also has neurological pain and walking problems. Been going for several years. I am sent between a rheumatologist and a neurologist. But get no diagnosis (yes, got the diagnosis of fibromyalgia) and it's possible I have. But there is something else I feel. Frequently or generally high white blood cells. I myself believe that everything has a connection. But as I said. Will be sent between the specialists. Does anyone have an idea? Or know about a hospital I can come to or a doctor? Appreciate your feedback.
I find it very difficult to be taken seriously with fibromyalgia by my GP in particular. Should change doctor now to see if it helps, but also with a physiotherapist. Applied for rehabilitation, but was refused on the grounds that fibromyalgia was not so serious and that there were many people who generally have pain in the body. Feels that it is difficult to reach with this disease. Feeling very desperate many times and that people do not realize how much I feel at times. Are there more who feel that way?
Have you checked your vitamins? I had severe pain and fatigue over a long period of time. Then I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, relinquished the diet of basic foods. The energy returned and the pain greatly reduced. When I became dull with the diet, fatigue and pain came back. In addition, I receive modern chiropractor treatment for stiff joints and sore muscles.