5 Early Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

Symptoms of fibromyalgia can be similar to other conditions. But if multiple symptoms are present at the same time, it is best to see a doctor for an early diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia is a disease associating diffuse muscle and joint pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, minor cognitive disorders of varying intensity and chronic development. Its prevalence is much higher in women. In this article, we will learn about the 5 early symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Today, fibromyalgia is quite a challenge for science and medicine. Because the clinical symptoms it presents are very diverse. They can range from chronic musculoskeletal pain to irritable bowel, through an overactive bladder, sleep disturbances, bruxism …

The hypersensitivity to pain and the altered morale that this chronic condition causes are realities that patients also face.

It is therefore very complex to provide a complete and functional treatment to the person so that he or she recovers a good quality of life. 

However, as always happens with chronic diseases, it is important to have the best information possible, to be part of an association and to try different treatments.

Fibromyalgia: early symptoms

Let’s start with something important. In general, a person with fibromyalgia takes a long time to receive a diagnosis appropriate to their disease. It is very common to go through a whole journey. To consult several doctors and specialists until one of them finally makes the diagnosis.

Professionals often believe in rheumatic or arthritic diseases. However, this disease has a very broad dimensionality.

In fact, neurology has told us that it is not a rheumatic condition. But rather a problem of the sensory system,  which has its origin in the central nervous system.

This is why it is always important to pay close attention to the symptoms. If they are persistent, they will convince you of the need to see a doctor.

1. Ankylosis

Ankylosis is the impression of losing joint mobility or the fact of feeling pain in the joints. 

• The feeling of being “stiff” appears especially in the morning and it is one of the earliest symptoms of fibromyalgia.
• After sitting or lying down for a long time, or even when standing for a long time, our body and joints do not react in the same way.
• We can also perceive this symptom when changes in temperature or humidity appear.

Here is an example: you are in an air conditioned room. When you go outside and notice the difference in temperature, you experience a headache and stiffness in the muscles of the neck and shoulders.

2. Sleep disorders

Patients who suffer from this disease do not get enough sleep. They may wake up and still feel tired, as if they had only slept a few hours.

Various studies on the subject tell us that during the deepest phase of sleep (the delta phase), there are several interruptions in the brain waves which have an impact on deep and restful sleep.

We can therefore say that, even if we are asleep, we are not resting.

3. Small cognitive flaws

People who suffer from fibromyalgia say that one of the first symptoms is difficulty concentrating, which means that it is a little awkward to focus on specific tasks.

• These problems are characterized by small memory impairment. Especially to remember data or even a certain exhaustion when you have to do several things at the same time.
• It is important to note that this type of symptom can be linked to episodes of stress. It is therefore necessary to take into account many symptoms (joints, fatigue, etc.) when doing an examination.

4. Abdominal pain

Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia tend to experience digestive problems, with the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain, days of constipation or diarrhea.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Heavy digestion or even difficulty swallowing food. Experts say that sometimes fibromyalgia also causes problems in the muscles of the esophagus.

5. Painful myofascial syndrome

Painful myofascial syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that causes extremely severe pain (hypersensitive points) to be felt in muscles and connective tissues.

• Every time we do repetitive movements, a painful overload appears that is impossible to prevent and which can occur in the most unexpected places and times.
• Sometimes one can just carry his bag on the shoulder for a while and a sharp pain appears in the neck, shoulder and even elbow area. You must know it.

We must not forget that fibromyalgia affects each person in a particular way and has a very broad symptomatology.

Be aware, however, that these symptoms presented here can be points of reference and they should encourage us to seek help if they are persistent and they affect our quality of life.