The 8 Types of Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the muscles, skin, and joints. There are eight main types of fibromyalgia pain, and it's very likely you'll experience several of them if you have this condition.

Types of fibromyalgia pain include:

  • Hyperalgesia
  • Widespread muscle pain and fatigue
  • Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ)
  • Allodynia
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Headaches
  • Digestive pain
  • Pelvic pain

This article will describe the eight types of pain in fibromyalgia (also called fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS) and how they can be treated.

Shot of a young woman experiencing neck pain while using a laptop on the sofa at home - stock photo

Moyo Studio / Getty Images

Hyperalgesia

Hyperalgesia is the medical term for the increased sense of pain you feel due to fibromyalgia. Scientists don't fully understand this condition but they believe the brains of people with fibromyalgia are more sensitive to pain signals.

In a study published in Clinical Neurophysiology, researchers inserted needles attached to monitors into the upper arm muscles of 21 women with fibromyalgia.They recorded the electrical activity when they pressed down on the women's muscles with different amounts of force. Then they compared the results to 21 healthy women and 25 women with chronic fatigue syndrome, which causes extreme tiredness.

The researchers reported that the tissues surrounding the muscles in women with fibromyalgia overreacted to the lightest touch. Muscle activity was the same in all three groups. The researchers believe that the nervous systems of the women with FMS were sending signals that caused the tissues to remain on high alert.

Widespread Muscle Pain

Widespread muscle pain is a hallmark of fibromyalgia. It can make you feel like you have the flu or "hurt all over." Many people with fibromyalgia also tend to have:

  • Low back pain, which may spread into the buttocks and legs
  • Pain and tightness in the neck that moves across the back of the shoulders
  • Pain between the shoulder blades
  • Pain in the breastbone and rib cage that feels like a heart attack

The Food and Drug Administration has approved three drugs to help relieve fibromyalgia pain. They include two antidepressants, Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Savella (milnacipran), and the anti-seizure drug Lyrica (pregabalin).

In addition to medication, physical therapy and massage may help to help ease the pain. Any movement can be difficult when you're in pain, but doctors also recommend 30 minutes a day of light exercise.

Exercises like yoga, walking, or swimming help loosen your muscles and joints and maintain your flexibility. One study found that exercising in a pool with warm water for just two weeks decreased pain by 15% in women with fibromyalgia.

TMJ Pain

One of the most common joint problems in people with FMS is pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. TMJ pain is often described as a dull, persistent ache that affects the ear, temple, eyes, lower jaw, or neck. Dentists usually diagnose TMJ.

Your dentist might suggest wearing a mouth guard to wear while you sleep to keep you from grinding your teeth. You can buy "boil and bite" ones in pharmacies and sporting goods stores. Dentists can make custom-fit ones, but they cost more.

For TMJ pain, try taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve (naproxen) or Advil (ibuprofen). If your pain persists, ask about a muscle relaxant or an FDA-approved FMS pain drug.

Allodynia

Allodynia is a kind of skin pain where even the lightest touch can hurt. Mild clothing pressure from a waistband or bra strap can feel painful. Researchers believe central sensitization causes allodynia. This means the brain, nerves, and spinal cord overreact to sensations.

Specialized nerves called nociceptors sense information through the skin about things like temperature. They cause you to react immediately. That's why you jerk your hand away when you touch something hot.

When these nerves become overly sensitized, your body interprets sensations as pain. Many people with FMS describe allodynia as their skin constantly feeling like it's badly sunburned. The prescription drug Lyrica (pregabalin) can help treat allodynia.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain causes feelings of crawling, tingling, burning, itching, or numbness in the arms and legs. In severe cases, these sensations can be painful and may be associated with another type of pain known as nociplastic pain, which is caused by altered pain processing in the nervous system. Still, patients have typical reflexes and strength.

Prescription fibromyalgia treatments can help ease neuropathic pain. Some people with FMS find that over-the-counter capsaicin cream can help numb the pain. This is a painkiller made from peppers. Skin rubs with lidocaine, like Ben Gay, can also be helpful.

Two review studies suggest taking vitamin B1, B6, and B12 supplements might help ease neuropathic pain. However, the studies didn't look specifically at neuropathic pain caused by fibromyalgia. Dosages also varied widely in the studies.

Headaches

Both tension headaches and migraines are very common in people with fibromyalgia

Tension headaches cause a dull, tightening pressure sensation all around the head. While uncomfortable and nagging, they are not disabling. Migraines are more painful. They often occur on one side of the head and may be associated with light and sound sensitivity.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Headache and Pain concluded that migraine headaches are more severe and intense in people with fibromyalgia than in those without the condition.

Migraines can be treated with prescription medications, such as triptans, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and neuromodulation devices. Avoiding common triggers of migraines (such as certain foods or flashing lights) can help prevent the onset of a migraine.

Digestive Pain

It's estimated that up to 70% of people with fibromyalgia are also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is a digestive disorder that causes cramping, belly pain, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

IBS can be difficult to treat, but lifestyle strategies and an array of medications are often effective.

Acid reflux is another digestive disorder common among people with fibromyalgia. This occurs when stomach acid flows back up the tube connecting your stomach and mouth.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic form of acid reflux that is also more common in people with fibromyalgia.Researchers in Taiwan found that people with fibromyalgia are about one and a half times more likely to have acid reflux.

GERD and acid reflux is typically treated with over-the-counter antacids, prescription medications, and lifestyle measures, including dietary changes.

Fibromyalgia Doctor Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next doctor appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Doctor Discussion Guide Woman

Pelvic Pain

Besides abdominal pain, women with fibromyalgia may experience pelvic pain, including bladder pain. This can cause an increased urge to urinate and/or frequent urination.

Women with endometriosis, a painful condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, are also 6% more like to have fibromyalgia than women without it, according to a 2019 study.

Treatments for endometriosis include hormonal therapies, complementary therapies, lifestyle measures, and, in some cases, surgical procedures including hysterectomy.

The Impact of Fibromyalgia Pain

About 2% of US adults have fibromyalgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Living with the pain involved in fibromyalgia can be stressful. FMS patients are often exhausted and may have emotional and mental health issues. Adding to this is the fact that fibromyalgia is a misunderstood condition (and often dismissed), and currently, there is no cure.

FMS is also associated with an increased risk of suicide. Studies show between 27% and 58% of people with fibromyalgia report having feelings of hopelessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide.

If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

Summary

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes pain in the body's muscles, skin, and joints. Researchers believe that the nervous systems of people with fibromyalgia are overly sensitive to pain.

The FDA has approved three medications to treat fibromyalgia pain. Exercise helps patients loosen their muscles and joints and maintain flexibility. Other lifestyle choices such as reducing stress and getting enough sleep can also help FMS patients manage pain.

It can be hard to live with fibromyalgia, especially since painful attacks can be unpredictable. Finding the right treatments may take time and experimentation. With dedication, many people with FMS do find relief.

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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Additional Reading

By Adrienne Dellwo
Adrienne Dellwo is an experienced journalist who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and has written extensively on the topic.