Fibromyalgia pain is an invisible, widespread, chronic pain described as a constant dull ache, burning, throbbing, or stabbing sensation deep in muscles, often accompanied by fatigue, stiffness, and extreme tenderness (allodynia/hyperalgesia) where light touch can hurt, affecting both sides of the body, above and below the waist, fluctuating in intensity with flares and periods of improvement, and impacting sleep and focus ("fibro fog").
If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can affect your neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs. The pain may be worse in the morning and evening.
More than two-thirds of those with fibromyalgia also have stomach pain, bloating, gas, and nausea on a regular basis. Constipation or diarrhea can also occur regularly.
Fibromyalgia Accentuates Pain
As a result, all forms of pain hurt more than they otherwise would and even a small bruise can be a source of real anguish. Likewise, any toothache or gum infection will be a far more intense and uncomfortable experience for someone suffering from fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is currently considered to be a disorder of pain regulation. Chronic pain and tenderness typical of FMS are present is come patients with chronic infections. There is evidence for increased prevalence of FMS in patients infected with HIV and HCV. FMS may be triggered by Lyme disease.
FM patients may present with numerous oral complaints, such as xerostomia, glossodynia, and dysgeusia. Xerostomia, known as dry mouth, is a subjective sensation of dryness in the mouth, which often accompanies salivary gland hypofunction.
Especially if you're a woman, because it's more common for women with fibromyalgia to experience these gastrointestinal issues. These can include abdominal pain, indigestion, and changes in your bowel habits.
Other Overlooked Symptoms
In addition to dizziness, fibromyalgia can affect your balance, by causing muscle pain, stiffness and weakness.
Fibromyalgia hip pain is a long-term pain that's tied to fibromyalgia – an ongoing condition that can cause pain all over the body. Because the hips work hard to keep us stable and help us move around, some people with fibromyalgia find that their hips get very tender and can hurt if pressed.
TNX-102 SL (Tonmya; Tonix Pharmaceuticals), cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets, has been approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia in adult patients, making it the first new treatment approved for the musculoskeletal and chronic pain disorder in over 15 years and the fourth treatment approved overall.
Fibromyalgia neck pain is typically a persistent, dull ache or throbbing sensation that can intensify into sharp, severe pains. The pain usually stems from the muscles, rather than the joints, although the muscles are not physically damaged. Some people have specific tender points on the neck for fibromyalgia.
There's no specific test to diagnose the condition. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary. The symptoms can be similar to those of several other conditions. Your GP will have to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Fibromyalgia tender points tend to be symmetrical in the body. They are located both above and below the waist around the neck, chest, shoulders, hips, and knees. The tender point should cause pain in that exact area when the doctor presses on it with enough force to turn their fingernail white.
About two-thirds of people with fibromyalgia often have belly pain, gas, and bloating and feel like throwing up. They can also have constipation and diarrhea. Many have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) too.
Several rheumatic diseases can mimic fibromyalgia. These include sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, polymyalgia rheumatica and lupus. They have symptoms of widespread pain along with joint involvement.
Comfort-oriented gifts like weighted blankets, ergonomic pillows, and heated slippers are popular choices that provide immediate relief and relaxation. Therapeutic tools such as TENS units, handheld massagers, and heat/cold therapy devices offer effective at-home pain management solutions.
Ear complaints are part of spectrum of symptoms in fibromyalgia (FM). This article reviewed ear complaints in FM and observed that hyperacusis and a high hearing loss rate are frequent in FM. The prevalence of vestibular symptoms (87.0%) (tinnitus, dizziness) was higher than in the general population.
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers include: a serious injury, such as after a car accident. an infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease.
Treatment options have historically been limited, and many patients report inadequate relief. On August 15, 2025, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new treatment: Tonmya (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets), marking the first new FDA-approved drug for fibromyalgia in more than 15 years.
It is a systemic disease that mainly affects the muscles, their attachments (tendons, ligaments) and coverings (fascia). Fibromyalgia may be considered as soft tissue rheumatism. Fibromyalgia may also affect many other parts of the body, including the stomach, bowels and female organs.
Dry mouth, frequently caused by the medications taken by Fibro patients to help keep painful flares at bay can wreak havoc on overall mouth health. When a person has a dry mouth, it significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and loss due to a lack of saliva.
Unusual Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
Paresthesia – Tingling, numbness, or "pins and needles" sensations in hands and feet. Phantom itching or burning sensations – Feeling itchy or a burning sensation with no clear cause. Dizziness and balance issues – Some people experience vertigo-like symptoms.
Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and weakness. In individuals with fibromyalgia, neuropathic symptoms can manifest alongside the typical pain and fatigue.