We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Severe Fibromyalgia?

By K. Willis
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 20,247
Share

Severe fibromyalgia is a condition involving greatly increased sensitivity to pain. There are 18 designated tender points on the body, and in someone with this condition, a high number, if not all of them, will be particularly sensitive to pain induced by pressure. There are three recognized levels of fibromyalgia, which are mild, moderate and severe or chronic. Severe fibromyalgia syndrome is often accompanied by other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Although fibromyalgia does not always appear to have a trigger, it is more common for someone to develop the condition after a traumatic event such as childbirth, a severe infection, an accident, a surgical procedure or severe emotional trauma.

Aside from tender points, general muscle, tendon and ligament pain is present, along with fatigue. Muscle pain presents as general, widespread aching or burning. Pain associated with all three types of fibromyalgia most likely will be worse at some times than others, often several hours after an activity. In each individual case, the triggers for increased pain will vary and can include a period of activity, such as housework or taking a walk. In some individuals, pain will be worsened by periods of inactivity such as sitting down or driving for extended periods.

Apart from the intense pain common to fibromyalgia, there are other frequently reported symptoms, although not all patients will suffer from all symptoms. Environmental changes such as noise, lighting and weather changes can cause other symptoms such as pain to flare up. Aside from muscle aches, stiffness is very common, especially after periods of inactivity.

Irritable bowel syndrome often appears in conjunction with severe fibromyalgia. Irritable bowel syndrome causes diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating and stomach cramps. Headaches are a common symptom of fibromyalgia, and they can vary widely in severity, from a mild tension headache to a severe migraine.

Depression and anxiety are common secondary conditions because of the relentless pain and other associated symptoms. Clumsiness and dizziness also are associated with severe fibromyalgia, but in some cases, these symptoms actually are side effects of medications prescribed to manage fibromyalgia. The ability to concentrate for extended periods of time often is impaired, which is thought to be caused by the pain and stiffness associated with the condition.

As of 2010, there was no known cure for fibromyalgia, but treatments were available for the symptoms of the condition. Severe fibromyalgia often is treated using a regimen of chronic pain medications, medications to improve the quality of sleep and a carefully constructed pain management plan. Gentle exercise is commonly recommended, along with rest and relaxation techniques. Heat, such as hot baths or soaking afflicted limbs, will help to reduce pain. A balanced diet is vital in managing fibromyalgia, because a well-balanced diet aids both physical and mental well-being.

People suffering from fibromyalgia might find it very difficult to hold down a regular job or have an active social life, because the symptoms can be debilitating. Fibromyalgia sufferers experience good days with few symptoms and bad days where they are overwhelmed with symptoms and cannot leave the house or even get out of bed. Severe fibromyalgia sufferers must learn the limitations of their body and not exceed those limitations, because pain will peak when the body is overstretched.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon961101 — On Jul 14, 2014

I'm almost 29. I have severe fibro and often I am bed ridden. I get the severe headaches and IBS, I have trouble thinking straight and concentrating in general. It comes with other issues and pain meds can only do so much. Anyway, this was a good article. Thanks for it.

By anon350468 — On Oct 05, 2013

My brother has severe fibromyalgia. Sometimes he can hardly walk, often he's bed ridden, he vomits a lot and has difficulty keeping weight on. He's in constant pain, has severe headaches and doesn't think as straight as he used to. He's collapsed and had to be taken to hospital in ambulance.

He's only in his mid forties and has been getting gradually worse for at least 15 years. It's almost unbearable to know how bad this thing is.

Does anyone know what the prognosis is? He's seen more specialists than you can shake a stick at, but no one seems to know how to help him much.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-severe-fibromyalgia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.