Although the first symptoms occur between the ages of 20 and 50 years, fibromyalgia is also known to occur in children and in teenagers and older persons. It is also thought to be inherited since it has been known to be present in several members of the same family. The four major symptoms experienced with fibromyalgia are pain, fatigue, stiffness, and unrestorative sleep. The pain is described as gnawing, stabbing, burning, radiating and is always widespread. The onset of pain can be gradual or sudden.
Muscle spasm is sometimes present.
Patients complain about feeling tired all day long. They may sleep all day and night without having their energy restored. Complaints of poor sleeping and of waking up several times during the night are common. Apart from the major symptoms noted with fibromyalgia there can be other common complaints and health problems. No one patient is likely to have every one of these conditions, but they can be present in varying combinations.