|  | Conditions Treatments | Diseases

Effects of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and incurable condition characterized by a diverse cluster of symptoms. Widespread pain and debilitating fatigue are among the most central effects of fibromyalgia, but sufferers experience symptoms that affect cognition; emotions; digestive, urinary and intestinal function; and sleep patterns. The effects of fibromyalgia can range in severity, causing discomfort in some people and disability in others. Treatment of these symptoms can provide relief and restore the ability to function in most sufferers.

  1. Widespread Pain

    • Pain in muscles and surrounding tissues is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Some people compare it to the body aches that accompany the flu. Others experience more severe pain, muscle spasms, and deep, throbbing aches. Pain also is experienced near the joints, making even light activity difficult. Severe headaches are also common. A person can experience varying degrees of pain and subsequent loss of ability from hour to hour, limiting their abilities in unpredictable ways.

    Fatigue

    • As many as 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients experience fatigue that is severe enough to limit their ability to engage in normal daily tasks, according to the Fibromyalgia Network. Fatigue associated with fibromyalgia is unrelenting, and does not improve with prolonged periods of rest. Fatigue exacerbates pain symptoms, making it more difficult to sleep, which in turn intensifies the fatigue and increases the severity of pain.

    Cognitive Dysfunction

    • "Fibrofog" is a term that references the periodic memory and thought dysfunction experienced by people with fibromyalgia. Patients complain of being unable to remember simple things like where they left belongings or plans they had made. Some report that they cannot focus on mental tasks or hold new information, or even keep track of a conversation. The impairment can last from several days to several weeks at a time.

    Sleep Disturbances

    • There is a strong correlation between fibromyalgia and sleep disorders, according to the Fibromyalgia Network. As many as 80 percent of fibromyalgia patients experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping deeply enough to feel the benefits of rest. Poor sleep quality intensifies other symptoms of fibromyalgia, diminishes the ability to cope with chronic pain, and removes the patient's capacity to meet normal obligations or enjoy pleasurable activities.

    Depression

    • Mood disorders are found in a significant number of people with fibromyalgia. Depression is especially common; at least 30 percent of fibromyalgia patients have symptoms of clinical depression. People with both conditions are less likely to make lifestyle choices that would improve their condition, such as staying active, socializing with others, and taking care of their health.

    Urinary, Pelvic and Bowel Symptoms

    • Many fibromyalgia patients experience coexisting problems with incontinence, urinary frequency or burning, painful intercourse, and irritable bowel syndrome, in which constipation alternates with diarrhea and abdominal cramps. These symptoms cause sufficient discomfort to interfere with normal activities, and require that the sufferer limit himself to places and situations where access to a washroom is readily available.

Diseases - Related Articles