Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is a common musculoskeletal condition which is associated with muscular pain all over the body with localized tenderness at specific points of the body. Fibromyalgia occurs more commonly in women of age ranging from 25-60 years. It is also observed in men and children. It shows a number of symptoms but these vary from person to person.
What Does a Fibromyalgia Flare-up Feel Like?
When some symptoms of fibromyalgia take place on regular basis and become worse, then it is called as the flare. Thus, fibromyalgia flare-up means worsening in number and intensity of symptoms. It is observed that pain and fatigue generally become worse along with other symptoms too. It is a set of symptoms hence fibromyalgia is also called as a syndrome. The intensity of the following symptoms increases during a fibromyalgia flare-up:
- Widespread body ache
- Muscles have deep stabbing pain
- Pain in joints of neck, shoulder, back and hips
- Tenderness
- Crippling fatigue
- Body stiffness
- Mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression
- Pain and fatigue make it difficult for person to get sound sleep leading to sleep disturbances.
Other Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Flare-Up Include:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Chronic headache
- Inability to concentrate on work
- Hypersensitivity to cold or heat
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The main symptoms of fibromyalgia flare-up are pain and fatigue. The pain occurs all over the body at anytime and remains either for short or long time. The fatigue or tiredness is very high at times which makes it difficult for the patient to even get up from the bed. Due to extreme pain, it becomes difficult for these patients to socialize as well. This leads to isolation as well as depression.
How Long Does a Fibromyalgia Flare-Up Last?
Fibromyalgia flare-up can last for various time durations. For some, the fibro flare-up lasts for a day or two while others may experience it for several weeks or even months. The fibromyalgia flares which are of long duration are very difficult to tolerate due to the ever increasing pain all over the body. However, the fibromyalgia flare-up of symptoms is temporary and they begin to subside after sometime.
Also Read:
- What are the Causative Factors for Fibromyalgia Flare-up & How is it Managed?
- FAQ on Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, 11 Painful Trigger Points, Causes, Risk Factors
- Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS): Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatment, Tests
- Yoga for Fibromyalgia: 4 Best Asanas To Relieve Painful Tender Points
- 10 Best Exercises for Fibromyalgia
- Is Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia the Right Choice for You?
- Does Fibromyalgia Progressively Get Worse?|Preventing Fibromyalgia from Worsening?
