Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body. This disorder doesn’t have one specific cause, but it can be triggered by abnormalities in how the brain processes pain and other sensory information. While fibromyalgia isn’t fatal, it can make everyday tasks difficult, since patients deal with constant fatigue, pain, and weakness.
The risk of developing fibromyalgia is higher for individuals with a history of anxiety or depression, or those with autoimmune disorders.  Here are five common warning signs of fibromyalgia:

1. Extreme fatigue
Extreme fatigue, especially fatigue that worsens throughout the day, is an indicator of fibromyalgia. This fatigue is different from general tiredness, since it can be present even if an individual has healthy sleep habits. Fatigue may be overwhelming, getting increasingly harder to manage as the day progresses as energy levels are depleted. This fatigue may be accompanied by brain fog and mental exhaustion. If you notice that you are experiencing this, go for a fibromyalgia assessment.

2. Intense pain
Another symptom is intense pain, particularly in the neck and back. Fibromyalgia causes pain throughout the body, which can make it difficult to pinpoint specific areas where you feel discomfort. For example, instead of having just a headache or sore neck, people with fibromyalgia experience severe muscle aches all over their bodies. Chronic pain treatment might be necessary in situations like this.

3. Frequent headaches
Frequent headaches that are accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or pain behind the eyes could indicate fibromyalgia. These headaches can be made worse by bright lights, loud noises, or any other triggers. If you notice that your headaches don’t respond to medication, or that your headaches turn into migraines, fibromyalgia may be the cause. Headaches may be accompanied by difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently in the night. Insomnia and other sleep disturbances can also contribute to other symptoms of fatigue.

4. Muscle weakness
Fibromyalgia can cause muscle weakness, making it difficult to complete normal daily tasks. Weakness is a common symptom in people with this condition because their muscles are constantly fatigued. This can make simple tasks like grocery shopping or cleaning very difficult. Muscle weakness can be accompanied by muscle twitches and cramps, as well as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

5. Issues with cognitive function
Issues with cognitive function, including memory loss and difficulty focusing for long periods of time, can also be present. Fibromyalgia can cause issues with cognitive function, which is why people often say they have “fibro fog.” They may forget things easily or have a tough time concentrating.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to those found in other conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, so it’s important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, you may need treatment.