Symptoms of Fibromyalgia & Myofacial Pain Syndrome
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic muscle pain throughout the body. Myofascial pain, in contrast, affects the fascia, or connective tissue covering the muscles, in specific areas. Most people experience myofascial pain at some time in their lives, as it can be caused by overuse or straining of muscles, but myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic type of pain. It is different from fibromyalgia, but the two conditions often occur together.
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Tender Points
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Fibromyalgia is characterized by tender points in the muscles, tendons and joints along with generalized aching in the entire body. Tender points are specific places on the body that are abnormally sensitive to touch in people with fibromyalgia. Eighteen points have been identified, in a symmetrical pattern with nine on each side.
Trigger Points
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Myofascial pain has trigger points where pain occurs in specific muscles, but does not cause other areas to hurt. Myofascial trigger points can cause pain anywhere in the body, from the head to the feet. They often can be felt under the skin, and people commonly call them muscle knots. Myofascial pain syndrome typically causes chronic dull aching in the affected area, but the pain also has been described as burning, stabbing or throbbing.
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Other Myofascial Pain Syndrome Symptoms
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People with myofascial pain syndrome often report other symptoms that may seem unrelated to the trigger point pain. These include dizziness, insomnia, muscle weakness, nausea, numbness in the arms or legs, ringing in the ears and vision problems.
Other Fibromyalgia Symptoms
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Fibromyalgia also has many other symptoms besides pain, although widespread pain is the definitive factor. Fibromyalgia patients commonly report irritable bowel syndrome, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, restless leg syndrome, severe fatigue and stiffness, especially when first waking.
Considerations
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Symptoms of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome can be aggravated by anxiety and stress. Weather and temperature changes also can lead to pain episodes, with sudden cold being a typical problem, as well as extremes in low or high humidity.
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