The Spectrum of
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Although fibromyalgia is
currently defined in terms of widespread pain and tenderness,
all FM patients have a complex of other symptoms, many of which
cause significant distress and dysfunction. The following table
lists many of these common symptoms as reported in the
NFA 2005 Internet survey of nearly 3000 FM
patients.
Symptoms reported in 25%
or more of FM patients.
| |
Symptom |
Frequency |
| |
Low back pain |
63% |
| |
Recurrent headaches |
47% |
| |
Arthritis |
46% |
| |
Muscle spasm |
46% |
| |
Tingling |
46% |
| |
Balance problems |
45% |
| |
Irritable bowel syndrome |
44% |
| |
Numbness |
44% |
| |
Chronic fatigue |
40% |
| |
Bloating |
40% |
| |
Depression |
40% |
| |
Anxiety |
38% |
| |
Sinus problems |
37% |
| |
Tooth disorders |
32% |
| |
Restless legs |
32% |
| |
Tinnitus |
30% |
| |
Jaw pain |
29% |
| |
Bladder problems |
26% |
| |
Rashes |
25% |
Patients were
also asked to evaluate the severity of various symptoms along on
a 0 to 10 scale (10 representing the most severe symptom)
Severity of Symptoms
| |
Symptom |
Severity |
| |
Morning stiffness |
7.2 |
| |
Fatigue |
7.1 |
| |
Nonrestorative sleep |
6.8 |
| |
Pain |
6.4 |
| |
Forgetfulness |
5.9 |
| |
Concentration |
5.9 |
| |
Difficulty falling asleep |
5.6 |
| |
Muscle spasms |
4.8 |
| |
Anxiety |
4.5 |
| |
Depression |
4.4 |
| |
Headaches |
4.3 |
| |
Anger |
3.9 |
| |
Restless legs |
3.6 |
| |
Abdominal pain |
3.6 |
| |
Poor balance |
3.5 |
| |
Swelling of feet and ankles |
3.2 |
| |
Dizziness |
2.9 |
| |
Bladder problems |
2.5 |
| |
Skin rashes |
1.9 |
|
