Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that results from the nervous system incorrectly processing pain and non-painful signals. Musculoskeletal ache with localized tenderness and stiffness at specific body parts characterize this condition.
However, what are the first signs of fibromyalgia that indicate when you need to consult a doctor? Besides causing widespread pain around the body, initial symptoms include depression, tiredness, and mental fog.
Fibromyalgia's primary symptom is pain, common to several other conditions. Hence, it typically takes an average of five years to diagnose this disorder. Doctors may not promptly consider it when evaluating the symptoms, contributing to the delayed diagnosis.
It is necessary to know this condition’s symptoms to help your chiropractor arrive at a diagnosis quickly. Our chiropractors at the Houston Spine and Rehab Center in Houston, TX, offer professional care to diagnose and manage fibromyalgia. Read on to learn the early warning signs of fibromyalgia and the effect they cause on your body and lifestyle.
Fibromyalgia has three primary signs and symptoms; widespread pain, fibro fog, and fatigue. Various people in Houston experience the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia differently. Some people feel the pain only in specific muscles such as the legs or the back. Others experience it all over their body.
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain that can be constant and dull, typically lasting for at least three months. It can also be so severe that you cannot work or partake in everyday activities. Most people with this condition report experiencing pain on most days or daily.
The ache must occur on certain body parts to qualify as widespread. It must be below and above your waist and on both sides of your body.
The pain intensity can vary depending on your activity and the time of day. For instance, you may experience worse pain after an exercise or in the morning. Other factors like weather, lack of sleep, and stress can influence the intensity and type of fibromyalgia pain you have.
The widespread pain from fibromyalgia differs from other types of aches since it affects different sites all over your body. This condition's pain centers on muscles and other soft tissues like joints. The way your brain processes the pain determines how intensely you experience it.
You can experience fibromyalgia pain in body parts such as arms, legs, neck, shoulders, hips, and middle and lower back. In addition, the pain description can vary from person to person. Most people describe it as:
Other discomforts you may experience are irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and tension headaches.
Fibro fog refers to cognitive difficulties that result from fibromyalgia. The condition impairs your ability to concentrate and may cause memory problems. You feel like you are in a haze when suffering from fibro fog. Some symptoms you may experience include forgetfulness, confusion, and decreased alertness.
These symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to severe, where you find that they occasionally get worse or better. Elements such as poor sleep, overstimulation, certain medications, and stress can worsen the fibro fog symptoms.
Symptoms such as inability to be attentive and forgetfulness can cause others to misunderstand your actions. Consequently, the often-misunderstood condition can lead to health-related anxiety and depression, further complicating your work and home life. Thus, it is critical to identify and manage fibro fog with proper self-care and a support system.
People dealing with fibromyalgia often wake up tired despite sleeping for long periods. Generally, the pain they experience disrupts their rest, leaving them tired when awakening. Many fibromyalgia patients have other sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.
Fatigue and sleep disorders can cause other issues such as chronic fatigue syndrome and migraines. It can also trigger emotional problems, including anxiety and depression.
Answering the question, "What are the first signs of fibromyalgia?" increases your chances of quickly identifying and diagnosing the condition. At Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Center, we can provide treatment for fibromyalgia. If you have early signs of fibromyalgia, seek early diagnosis and treatment from one of our chiropractors. We have facilities in Houston, The Woodlands, and Cypress enhancing convenience by bringing our professional and safe services near you.
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Wednesday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
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Saturday: Closed
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