Invisible disability

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting your bones and muscles. Sometimes symptoms emerge after a surgery, infection, physical trauma or psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually develop with no single triggering event. Besides aches all over, common symptoms also include:

• Muscle pain, burning, twitching, or tightness
• Low pain threshold or tender points
• Draining fatigue
• Trouble concentrating and remembering
• Insomnia or not sleeping well
• Feeling nervous, worried, or depressed

Fibromyalgia often occurs with other painful conditions, such as:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Migraine and other types of headaches
• Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome
• Temporomandibular joint disorders

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Also, exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures may help a lot.

Constantly tired.

Fibromyalgia hurts.

Unbearable pain.