Fibromyalgia symptoms and flares

Fibromyalgia can cause many different symptoms. Most people have pain, tiredness and poor sleep, but everyone is different. Symptoms often come and go, and they can be much worse on some days than others.

Pain

The main symptom is pain that is widespread, meaning it is in many parts of the body. It is often worse in the neck, back, shoulders and hips. People describe it as:

• a deep, constant ache
• a burning feeling
• sharp or stabbing pain
• feeling bruised all over

Being very sensitive

With fibromyalgia, the body's pain system is on high alert. This can mean:

• things that should hurt a little hurt a lot
• things that should not hurt at all, like a hug, tight clothes or a light touch, can be painful
• you may also be sensitive to bright lights, loud noise, smells and cold or heat

Extreme tiredness (fatigue)

This is not normal tiredness. It can feel like having no energy at all, as if you are wading through mud. Rest does not always help. Doing too much on one day can leave you exhausted for days afterwards.

Poor sleep

Many people wake up feeling as if they have not slept at all, even after a full night in bed. Pain can wake you in the night, and some people also have restless legs or sleep problems like sleep apnoea.

Fibro fog

"Fibro fog" is a common name for problems with thinking. You might:

• forget things, like appointments or why you walked into a room
• find it hard to concentrate or follow a conversation
• struggle to find the right word
• feel slow or muddled

Fibro fog is often worse when you are tired or in more pain. It can make everyday tasks, like cooking a meal or managing money, harder and less safe.

Other common symptoms

• stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting still
• headaches and migraines
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with tummy pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation
• tingling, numbness or burning in the hands and feet
• muscle spasms or twitches
• feeling dizzy or clumsy
• needing to pee more often
• painful periods
• low mood and anxiety

What is a flare?

A flare (or flare-up) is a period when symptoms get much worse. A flare can last a few days or several weeks. Common triggers include:

• doing too much, even on a good day
• stress or upsetting news
• a poor night's sleep, or a run of them
• cold or damp weather, or sudden changes in the weather
• an infection, like a cold
• hormone changes, for example around your period or the menopause

Sometimes there is no clear trigger.

What can help in a flare

• Plan ahead. Write a simple flare plan on a good day, listing what helps you and who can help.
• Cut back, but keep gently moving. Rest more, but try some gentle stretches so you do not stiffen up.
• Use heat. A warm bath, a heat pad or a hot water bottle can ease pain.
• Keep to your sleep routine as much as you can.
• Be kind to yourself. A flare is not your fault.
• Talk to your GP if flares are happening more often or lasting longer.

Read more ways to cope in our guide to living well with fibromyalgia.

When to see a GP

See a GP if you have not been diagnosed and you have had widespread pain for 3 months or more. If you have been diagnosed, see a GP if your symptoms change or get much worse, or if you notice anything new.