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The most common symptom associated with the condition is pain throughout the body. While pain is not the only sign of a problem, it is the symptom that pushes individuals to seek help when other symptoms might be overlooked.

Painful feelings in fibromyalgia are typically found throughout the entire body and can relate to a wide range of different types of discomfort. The uncomfortable sensation can feel dull, sharp or throbbing, but it is more all-inclusive than the discomfort of arthritis.

The uncomfortable sensation will usually cover more than one area of the body and will include the joints, muscles, tendons and entire region. Depending on the situation, pain is the most likely symptom that is recognized by individuals. While discomfort and pain throughout the body is a common symptom, it is not a consistent problem. The sensation can come and go and is known to travel throughout the body.

Numbness

The fibromyalgia symptoms are not limited to discomfort from pain. Some individuals will experience numbness that travels or is located in the limbs. While numbness can relate to nerve entrapment or minor damage, it is a potential symptom that comes with the condition.

Numbness and tingling is usually found in the limbs and rarely occurs around the torso of the body. When the sensation stands alone, it might not be related to the problem. When numbness occurs in conjunction with pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms, it is usually a sign of the condition and will improve with treatment.

Problems with Sleep

Fibromyalgia symptoms are often associated with sleep issues, insomnia and fatigue. The constant feeling of tiredness often stems from the inability to sleep well at night or to get enough sleep for good health.

As a general rule, it is best to try sleeping at least eight hours each night because it helps reduce fatigue and helps improve the problems associated with the condition. Unfortunately, insomnia often comes as a result of the pain, discomfort and general inability to sleep due to the condition.

While fatigue and sleeplessness are a common symptom, insomnia alone is not a determining factor in diagnosing the condition. When other signs of the problem are also noticed, a diagnosis of the condition is possible to determine.

Mental Health Concerns

The condition often leads to mental health concerns. The two most common disorders that might develop over time are depression and anxiety. The constant feeling of fatigue and discomfort can result in emotions that spiral into depression or result in feelings of dread.

While the condition can cause mental health concerns, reducing the other symptoms will often help reduce or eliminate the poor mood. Sleeplessness often comes with depression, so treating the inability to sleep will help reduce the depressed state of mind.

Although the mental health concerns are often the result of other symptoms, it is also a sign of the condition. Some individuals will develop depression and anxiety even when the pain is not enough to cause the problem.

Memory Problems

Concentration and memory are an important part of getting through normal tasks. When concentration is lacking, it is easy to forget where keys are located or forget important items. A key sign of the condition that occurs in many cases is difficulty remembering information, concentrating or even accomplishing mental tasks.

The concentration and memory problems are called fibro fog because the mind is often in a state of fog that reduces the ability to focus. The memory is not properly functioning and it is easy to become absentminded before treatment begins.

While the memory problems occur, treatment can help improve concentration and mental recall. It is not a permanent problem if a diagnosis is made and treatment for the condition begins.

Sensitivities

Sensitivity to smells, sunlight, cold weather conditions and light is a potential sign of the problem if it is not a lifetime condition. Individuals often develop sensitivities to smells, foods, temperatures, sounds and light as a sign of the problem.

Feeling sensitive is only a sign of the condition when it is found in conjunction with other symptoms. When the sensitivity stands alone, it can be a sign of other conditions like pregnancy or a reaction to medications.

Fibromyalgia symptoms are complicated by several factors. In most cases, a single symptom will not stand alone before a doctor diagnoses the condition. When the condition is determined, doctors will begin treatment to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

References:

Web MD http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-symptoms

Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=symptoms

NCBI http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769083/

Web MD: Understanding Symptoms http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/understanding-fibromyalgia-symptoms