About Fibromyalgia Chronic Pain

The top symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain. The pain is chronic and affects the main parts of the body, causing a disruption of daily activities. It is believed that the chronic pain of fibromyalgia is brought on by abnormal processes in the nervous system.

Tender Points

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by palatable pain within 11 of the 18 tender points in the body. These points are located in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, hips, thighs and knees.

Muscle Aches

Fibromyalgia sufferers frequently describe their pain as widespread muscle aches. The soreness occurs in all four quadrants of the body and continues for more than three months.

Burning & Tingling

Chronic pain from fibromyalgia has been described as burning and tingling. It has even been explained as feeling like electric-shocks, similar to that felt in neuropathic pain.

Heachaches

Chronic pain in the head is a common symptom of fibromyalgia, causing muscular headaches and migraines. Headaches can stem from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), another symptom of fibromyalgia.

Treatment

Lyrica (pregablin) was the first FDA approved medication for chronic fibromyalgia pain. Anti-inflammatories, analgesics and anti-depressants are also given to help the pain.

References

• National Fibromyalgia Association: About Fibromyalgia
• National Fibromyalgia Association: Diagnosis
• Fibromyalgia: The Misapprehended Pain