
What Conditions Are Associated With Fibromyalgia?
When looking at symptoms, we need to keep in mind the common comorbidities of fibromyalgia, as many of the symptoms overlap. The term comorbidity refers to the presence of more than one disorder in the same person. Fibromyalgia’s common comorbidities include:
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irritable bowel syndrome
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chronic fatigue syndrome
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tension or migraine headaches
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temporomandibular disorder
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hypothyroidism
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major depressive disorder
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rheumatoid arthritis
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systemic lupus erythematosus
Pain & Stiffness Related Symptoms
Cognitive Related Symptoms
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Sensitivity to light
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Dry eyes, nose
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Ringing ears
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Sensitivity to sound
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Abdominal pain
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Bloating
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Gas
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Nausea
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Dry mouth
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Restless legs
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Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
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Poor temperature control
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Numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
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Coordination problems (unexplained clumsiness or poor control of body movement)
Making Sense of Fibromyalgia Symptoms
When thinking about the randomness of these symptoms, it’s essential to think about fibromyalgia as what it is: abnormal processing of the central nervous system. Therefore, all parts of the body are impacted, not just the musculoskeletal system, as once believed. To learn more about the science behind fibromyalgia, head over to this blog post: How to Reduce Your Fibromyalgia Pain in 30 Minutes.
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Kengen Traska, T., Rutledge, D. N., Mouttapa, M., Weiss, J., & Aquino, J. (2012). Strategies used for managing symptoms by women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(5‐6), 626-635. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03501.x
Lichtenstein, A., Tiosano, S., & Amital, H. (2018). The complexities of fibromyalgia and its comorbidities. Current opinion in rheumatology, 30(1), 94–100. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000464
Wolfe, F., Clauw, D. J., Fitzcharles, M. A., Goldenberg, D. L., Häuser, W., Katz, R. L., Mease, P. J., Russell, A. S., Russell, I. J., & Walitt, B. (2016). 2016 Revisions to the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 46(3), 319–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2016.08.012
Fibromyalgia is not a “one size fits all” diagnosis. What works for some doesn’t work for others. The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Should you have any health-related questions, please consult your physician or other health care provider promptly.
Teresa & Hannah are fellow fibromyalgia warriors. Teresa is a certified dietary manager and wellness coach. Hannah is an occupational therapist. Together, we’re a mother-daughter duo on a mission to empower others to fight against fibro.