According to NIH (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases), fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that affects 5 million adults in the United States alone. It is more common in women than men and is generally diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. It is often characterized by chronic widespread muscular pain and tenderness, symptoms of extreme fatigue and listlessness, poor sleep quality, and memory problems.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches and/or migraines
- Numbness or tingling
- Irritable bowel or bladder syndrome
- Abdominal or pelvic pain and/or cramps
- Temporomandibular pain (pain in the jaw)
There is no specific test that can actually confirm or diagnose fibromyalgia. As a result, it is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A physician or healthcare provider will conduct several tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These conditions include rheumatologic disease and thyroid issues.