Still unknown , fibromyalgia affects 2 to 5% of the population, mainly middle-aged women. Recognized by WHO in 1992, it remains difficult to treat because of its vague and numerous symptoms. Indeed, fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that is characterized by diffuse pain that can manifest in the intestines, head and even joints. According to the French Association of Rheumatology, it would be particularly capable of aggravating rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosing the disease is not easy. To date, experts rely on criteria previously established by The American College of Rheumatology. The symptoms should therefore be generalized, present for at least 3 months and affect 11 of the 18 areas identified as sensitive by the US establishment.

Fibromyalgia: the symptoms to know

Highly handicapping, fibromyalgia has extremely varied repercussions, affecting not only the physical but also the mental health of those who suffer from it. According to NHS UK, here are its most important symptoms:

Diffuse pain

The vague and diffuse pains are among the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Although it touches the entire body, it can also be located at the neck and back. The discomfort felt will generally be similar to a burning sensation, throbbing pain or extreme sensitivity in certain areas.

Hyperalgesia or allodynia

Hyperalgesia or allodynia are forms of pain characteristic of fibromyalgia. The former represents increased sensitivity to a nociceptive stimulus, such as when you bump your toe to a corner of the table and the pain lasts longer than normal. The second, on the other hand, is a pain triggered by an initially painless stimulus. The slightest contact can then become painful.

Stiffness in the limbs

Stiffness can lead to muscle spasms, especially when you spend a lot of time in one position. It is for this reason that one of the most common advice in the treatment phase is the appropriate physical activity, which is necessary to improve the general condition.

A disturbed sleep

Despite adequate hours of sleep, people with fibromyalgia often wake up very tired. This would be due to an alteration of deep sleep that returns them to a waking state, preventing them from sleeping.

Neurocognitive dysfunction

Also known as brain fog, neurocognitive dysregulation affects memory, concentration, verbal fluency, and speed of performance. It is not to be confused with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The faculties of learning remaining normal, and becoming only slower.


If migraines prove to be persistent without any other plausible medical reason, these could be a symptom of fibromyalgia. According to NHS UK, headaches usually appear if the person suffers from stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders.


Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of fibromyalgia. Characterized by a moderate weakness that can go as far as a state of exhaustion, the latter can manifest itself suddenly, its effects being similar to those that one can feel in case of influenza illness.


According to NHS UK, this problem is hormonal, which can promote the development of depression in affected individuals. Pr Laroche joins this observation. According to the expert, a deficit in neurohormones and serotonin essentially, could explain some symptoms such as lack of interest in everything that surrounds the person, accompanied by a feeling of despondency or despair.

Fibromyalgia: impact on the joints

Beyond the muscle pain it causes, fibromyalgia is also responsible for chronic joint pain. These usually manifest as rheumatism and pain affecting certain soft tissues. According to the MSD Manual, stiffness and pain in the areas surrounding the joints are some of the areas that may be the most painful, which can increase with tension, fatigue or excessive stress.

In addition, fibromyalgia can cause widespread rheumatism. These diffuse pains can affect different parts of the body and at the same time. However, these do not happen inside the joints but close, as explained by the Swiss League against rheumatism.