A musculoskeletal pain disorder, fibromyalgia can cause pain that makes everyday activities very challenging.
Conditions Fibromyalgia by Santa Ana Pain Clinic 1 1 - Fibromyalgia

Causes

The causes of fibromyalgia are not known, but the pain might be caused by the brain processing pain signals sensitively. You might notice symptoms develop after an infection, injury, or surgery. Women and patients in middle age are more at risk.
Conditions Fibromyalgia by Santa Ana Pain Clinic 2 1 - Fibromyalgia

Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain that affects all four quadrants of your body. You might experience painful and tender points on the tops of your shoulders, upper hips, and the back of your head. Tension headaches are also common.

Other symptoms might include:

  • Numbness and tingling
  • Mood changes
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Stiffness (especially in the morning)
  • Memory issues
  • Trouble sleeping

You might notice that your fibromyalgia symptoms are worse when you are stressed.

Treatments

There is no specific cure for fibromyalgia, but its associated pain is managed with various treatments, including trigger point injections. These injections involve placing a needle into muscle knots, or trigger points, in order to inactive them.