Fibromyalgia causes chronic pain throughout the body, often affecting certain areas more than others. Medical treatments and home remedies can help ease fibromyalgia aches.

Although fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) condition, a person may find that symptoms come and go. Recognizing triggers that cause or worsen aches and pains with fibromyalgia may also help with managing them.

Read on to learn about what fibromyalgia aches feel like and where they affect. This article also looks at what can cause them, how long they can last, how to manage them, and more.

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Some people describe the pain relating to fibromyalgia as feeling like:

  • aching
  • a sharp, stabbing pain
  • a burning sensation
  • numbness
  • tingling
  • tenderness

The aching may be constant or may come and go. It may also worsen either during or after periods of physical activity.

Fibromyalgia can also cause restless leg syndrome. This is when the legs feel uncomfortable, and there is an overwhelming urge to move them.

Fibromyalgia aches can affect the whole body, or it can affect certain areas. It most commonly affects the:

  • head
  • arms
  • chest
  • abdomen
  • back
  • legs
  • buttocks

Fibromyalgia aches can also be migratory, meaning they can move from one location in the body to another.

Researchers do not know what causes fibromyalgia precisely, but there may be a genetic part to the condition. This means that someone may be more likely to develop it if they also have a relative with fibromyalgia.

Another possible cause is changes in the chemicals in the nervous system, which can affect how the body processes pain signals throughout the body. This could happen due to:

Symptoms of fibromyalgia may be worse at some times than others. Certain factors can trigger or worsen the pain. These include:

Keeping a journal to log when symptoms begin or worsen may help an individual identify any triggers that may be affecting the frequency or severity of the aches.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, which means that it is long lasting. However, aches may come and go. How long fibromyalgia aches last will be different for each individual.

Identifying triggers and finding ways to manage symptoms may help reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

A person can work with their doctor to create a suitable treatment plan to help manage fibromyalgia and its symptoms, including aches.

Medical treatments that may help include:

Various home remedies may also help. These can include:

  • taking steps to manage stress
  • getting enough quality sleep
  • getting enough physical activity or exercise
  • avoiding smoking, if applicable
  • avoiding alcohol consumption

Aches and pains are some of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia. Other common symptoms include fatigue and problems with sleeping.

Additionally, fibromyalgia can also cause:

  • problems with concentration, which some people refer to as “fibro fog”
  • stiffness of the joints and muscles
  • constipation
  • bloating
  • increased sensitivity to:
    • noise
    • light
    • temperature
    • smells

What part of the body does fibromyalgia affect the most?

Fibromyalgia most commonly affects the head, arms, abdomen, chest, back, buttocks, and legs.

What triggers a fibromyalgia flare-up?

Possible triggers for a fibromyalgia flare-up include not getting enough quality sleep, anxiety, depression, stress, and hormonal changes. Keeping a journal of symptoms can help an individual identify and manage factors that may trigger or worsen a flare-up.

What is the best pain reliever for fibromyalgia?

Common medications to treat fibromyalgia and ease associated pain include:

  • duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • pregabalin (Lyrica)
  • milnacipran (Savella)

Anti-inflammatories may also help reduce pain.

What does fibromyalgia fatigue feel like?

Fatigue is when a person constantly feels tired or worn out. With fibromyalgia, this can be mild, or an individual may feel extreme exhaustion, similar to having the flu. For some people with the condition, fatigue can happen suddenly.

Fibromyalgia aches can be constant or can come and go. The condition can be widespread throughout the body, but it most commonly affects the legs, back, buttocks, abdomen, chest, arms, and head.

Identifying triggers that may cause or worsen fibromyalgia aches can help with managing the condition. Possible triggers include anxiety, depression, stress, hormonal changes, and reduced sleep.

Medications for fibromyalgia, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella), and pregabalin (Lyrica), may also help manage aches and pains.

Fibromyalgia may affect people differently. Keeping a journal to monitor symptoms and potential triggers may help manage flare-ups’ frequency or severity. A person can also ask their doctor for advice on reducing fibromyalgia aches.