Posted by TENA/DIAMOND on 2/1/2009, 3:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Symptoms#2"
Fibromyalgia Symptoms#3
(continued)
Are chronic headaches a symptom of fibromyalgia?
Chronic headaches, such as recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches, are common in about 70% of the people with fibromyalgia. They can pose a major problem in a person's ability to cope with and self-manage FMS.
The headaches may be a result of pain in the neck and upper part of the back. They are often caused by tightness and contraction of the muscles of the neck, which results in a type of headache called tension-type headaches or muscle-contraction headaches. They may also be caused by tenderness from trigger points over the back of the head and neck. It is important to remember that other medical problems can cause headaches that should be properly diagnosed and treated by your doctor.
Is irritable bowel syndrome a symptom of FMS?
Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea represent symptoms frequently found in roughly 40% to 70% of patients with fibromyalgia. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also occurs with the same high frequency.
Is urinary frequency a symptom of FMS?
Feeling an urge to urinate, urinary frequency, painful urination, or incontinence can happen in about 25% or more of the cases fibromyalgia. Since these problems can also be caused by other bladder and kidney diseases, such as an infection, check with your doctor to be sure no other problems are present.
Do menstrual cramps affect women with fibromyalgia?
Unusually painful menstrual cramps occur in 30% to 40% or more of women with fibromyalgia. These cramps, along with other symptoms, are usually present for years.
How is Raynaud's phenomenon related to fibromyalgia?
Raynaud's phenomena is present in 25% to 50% of the people with fibromyalgia. With Raynaud's, your fingers or toes may become quite pale, cold, or blue when exposed to cold temperatures, for example when you are holding a cold glass. The pale or blue changes usually last a few minutes and may be accompanied by pain. When the hands or feet are warmed, they return to normal.
What is restless legs syndrome with fibromyalgia?
Restless legs syndrome results in discomfort in the legs, especially the areas of the legs below the knees, and the feet. It is especially bothersome at night. The feeling can be painful, but most commonly it is described as the need to move the legs to try to make them comfortable.
Restless legs syndrome often interrupts sleep as the person tries to find a comfortable position for rest. As with other symptoms, restless legs syndrome can be found alone or along with other medical problems.
Is dryness in the mouth, nose, or eyes a symptom of fibromyalgia?
Dryness in the mouth, nose, or eyes can happen in otherwise normal people. But 25% or more of people with fibromyalgia have this feeling. Sometimes, this is caused by Sjogren's syndrome. This occurs when glands do not produce the normal amounts or quality of tears to lubricate the eyes or saliva to lubricate the mouth. There is no single known cause.
Although the dryness is mainly uncomfortable, the loss of normal lubrication for the eyes can increase the risk of infections. The loss of normal saliva and lubrication in the mouth increases the chances of tooth decay. See your ophthalmologist for the eye dryness and your dentist for good prevention and treatment.
SOURCES:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Fibromyalgia."
Fibromyalgia Network: "Symptoms."
National Fibromyalgia Association: "What are the Symptoms?"
American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association: "What is Fibromyalgia?"
Arthritis Foundation: "Fibromyalgia: What are the Effects?"
McIlwain, H. and Bruce, D. The Fibromyalgia Handbook, Holt, 2007.
Reviewed by Matthew Hoffman, MD on April 30, 2008
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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