Do I Have Fibromyalgia?

Do you have a family history of fibromyalgia?

Do you have increased sensitivity to pain?

Do you have constant dull pain that lasts for at least three months and occurs on both sides of your body and above and below the waist (widespread pain)?

Do you have extreme tiredness (fatigue)?

Do you have muscle stiffness?

Is the severity of the pain and stiffness worse in the morning?

Do you have numbness, and tingling in hands, arms, feet, and legs?

Do you have difficulty sleeping?

Do you have problems with memory and concentration ("fibro-fog")?

Do you have any of the following conditions: headaches and migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating), anxiety or depression?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a long-term medical condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it is believed that there are abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain that affect how the brain processes painful and non-painful signals. People with fibromyalgia have so-called “regions of pain”, which means that they feel a constant dull pain in certain areas of the body. This condition tends to run in families. Also, fibromyalgia can be triggered by some kind of physically or emotionally stressful event. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that refers to widespread pain in muscles and joints. In people with fibromyalgia, the receptors in the brain overreact to pain signals. Pain is often accompanied by extreme fatigue, problems with sleep, memory and mood swings. In order for your doctor to diagnose fibromyalgia, you must have pain in 4 of the 5 already defined regions on the body, which last for at least 3 months. Your doctor will also order various blood tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Fibromyalgia often remains undiagnosed.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that causes pain all over your body. People with this condition have increased sensitivity to pain. If affect about 4 million Americans. The risk of fibromyalgia increases with age, and fibromyalgia is more common in people with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Fibromyalgia can cause pain, disability and can negatively affect your quality of life. Although the cause of this condition is unknown, fibromyalgia can be successfully treated with medications and self-management strategies. Talk to your doctor about the best combination of treatments for you.