Understanding Lesser-Known Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Many individuals with fibromyalgia are familiar with its numerous common symptoms, such as depression, pain, cognitive issues (often referred to as “fibro fog”), fatigue, stiffness, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome. If you have fibromyalgia, you might experience many of these symptoms, if not all. Unfortunately, the list doesn’t stop there. Patients may encounter numerous other physical and mental effects, some more prevalent than others.
The question is, which of these less common fibromyalgia symptoms do you experience, and how do you manage them?
1. Chest Pain
Intense chest pain is concerning and should not be ignored, as it may indicate a distinct health issue. It is often associated with fibromyalgia, where the chest is a common trigger point for pain. While this can occasionally lead to shortness of breath, it typically manifests as severe chest pain without other symptoms. Gentle exercise, deep breathing, mild massage, and heat can help alleviate this discomfort.
2. Itching and Dry Skin
Fibromyalgia can cause symptoms like itchy and dry skin. The skin may appear flaky and dry, leading to itchiness. Scratching can result in rash or sensitive skin, potentially due to the brain misinterpreting pain signals. Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding scratching is important.
