What is Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread musculoskeletal pain that feels like aching, burning, or throbbing; chronic fatigue; sleep problems; and cognitive difficulties like memory and concentration issues (called "fibro-fog"). Other symptoms can include increased sensitivity to pain, touch, light, and temperature, as well as headaches, stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and anxiety or depression.

 

Common Symptoms

Widespread Pain: A continuous, widespread pain that can feel like aching, burning, or sharp pain. It may be felt throughout the body, especially in the back, neck, or other areas.

Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest.

Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling unrefreshed after sleeping.

Cognitive Difficulties ("Fibro-Fog"): Problems with memory, concentration, and other mental processes.

 

Other Possible Symptoms

Increased Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to pain, light, temperature, and noise.

Stiffness: Muscle stiffness, particularly in the morning or after long periods of sitting.

Headaches: Including migraines.

Emotional Issues: Depression, anxiety, and feelings of frustration.

Digestive Problems: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Sensory Sensitivities: Sensitivity to certain foods, smoke, and bright lights.

Other Sensations: Tingling, numbness, or a prickling sensation in the hands and feet (paresthesia).

Painful Periods: In some individuals, particularly those who menstruate, periods may be unusually painful.

 

What is mistaken for fibromyalgia?

Several rheumatic diseases can mimic fibromyalgia. These include sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, polymyalgia rheumatica and lupus.
Common Conditions that Mimic Fibromyalgia:
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Common-Conditions-that-Mimic-Fibromyalgia.aspx

 

What confirms fibromyalgia?

Your care team checks for the main sign of fibromyalgia: widespread pain throughout the body for at least three months.
You must have pain in at least four of these five areas:
Left upper region, including the shoulder, arm or jaw.
Fibromyalgia: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354785

 

What triggers fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers include: a serious injury, such as after a car accident. an infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease.
Causes: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/causes/

 

What is the new test for fibromyalgia?

According to Hackshaw and colleagues, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with gold particles, coupled with chemometrics, discriminated fibromyalgia from other rheumatic disorders with 100% diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, indicating the method “can be used as a real-time point-of-care device for …
Blood sample test can diagnose fibromyalgia via Raman spectroscopy:
 https://www.healio.com/news/rheumatology/20240327/blood-sample-test-can-diagnose-fibromyalgia-via-raman-spectroscopy

 

7 Common Things to Avoid When You Have Fibromyalgia

According to: https://austinpaindoctor.com/what-activities-should-be-avoided-with-fibromyalgia

Taking care of your fibromyalgia involves avoiding certain activities and situations that may aggravate the symptoms, like:

    High-Intensity Exercise: Excessive physical activity can lead to overstrain and fatigue, worsening fibromyalgia. Instead, daily moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or biking is recommended.

    Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Prolonged sitting and standing can contribute to discomfort. People with fibromyalgia should balance all physical movements and postures with regular breaks.

    Heavy Lifting: Lifting weights and heavy objects can strain muscles and amplify fibromyalgia pain. It’s advisable to avoid excessive muscle strain.

    Stressful or Overwhelming Activities: Stressful or overwhelming activities can also intensify fibromyalgia symptoms. It’s essential to manage stress levels through relaxation techniques and boundary setting.

    Irregular Sleep Patterns: Poor rest or inconsistent sleep patterns, including insufficient or disrupted sleep, can increase pain sensitivity and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. Maintaining a good sleep routine is crucial.

    Eating Excessive Sugar & Carbohydrates: Consuming excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates can worsen inflammation and pain associated with fibromyalgia. Go for healthier dietary choices to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and improve overall health.

    Saying “Yes” Too Often: Overcommitting and saying “yes” too often can lead to increased activities, increasing stress and fatigue. Learning to say “no” when necessary is important in effectively managing fibromyalgia.

Read: Health Rising: Cort Johnson | Aug 21, 2025 | Drugs, Fibromyalgia and Pain, Homepage, Sleep, Tomnya, Treatment: https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2025/08/21/tonmya-fda-approved-fibromyalgia/   

Seth Lederman of Tonix Pharmaceuticals talks about Tonmya the new FDA-approved drug for fibromyalgia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ATsU3w2Vp4&t=1485s

Disclaimer: By accessing and reading this blog, you acknowledge that the information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is intended to address commonly asked questions and is derived from reputable scientific literature. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or conditions.

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742 ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9