Fibromyalgia is most often diagnosed in women ages 20-50 and almost always coexists with a number of debilitating symptoms. Women with the muscle condition frequently face chronic fatigue, headaches, and in some cases, depression.

Because the muscle condition is defined solely by its symptoms it often goes undetected and misdiagnosed. These symptoms can overshadow and ultimately sideline the condition making it difficult to remedy and almost impossible to entirely relieve.

The most common correlating symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Endometriosis
• Headaches
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Lupus
• Osteoarthritis
• Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

While symptoms can be both the cause and result of having Fibromyalgia, it is often a long and exhausting path to diagnosis. Many times you will see a number of doctors before reaching a definitive conclusion. Not to say that all symptoms lead to the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia but if pain persists it is important that you do not settle for the misdiagnosis of your symptoms but educate yourself on the possibilities of more serious conditions such as this.

One doctor you may be referred to is a rheumatologist, specializing in arthritis and the inflammation of joints and muscles this doctor may misdiagnose you with one of these conditions which are associated with Fibromyalgia but not the condition itself. While the doctor may be able to ease the pain slightly you are ultimately without effective treatment and support.

Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with the dull, aching pain that comes with this condition. Those with Fibromyalgia often feel tired and un-rested even after what is a typically adequate amount of sleep. Misdiagnosed as a sleeping disorder, Fibromyalgia hides under the condition it has created and in turn alleviating only a sign of the bigger, more debilitating problem.

It is important to be prepared for a long and arduous road to living comfortably with Fibromyalgia. You are the expert on the explanation of your symptoms. Be sure to be prepared when you first start the path to diagnosis and be able to detail the progression of pain and the symptoms that follow.

As more is discovered about the condition, diagnosis will become easier and treatment more accessible. For now there are at home remedies that can ease pain and support groups that can help with stress, lack of sleep, feelings of sadness and frustration and ultimately with pain.

More information about the causes, risks, and conditions of Fibromyalgia can be found at: https://www.empowher.com/condition/fibromyalgia