One of the less visible symptoms is sometimes called fibro fog.

This refers to cognitive difficulties that can include:

Trouble concentrating
Forgetfulness
Difficulty focusing on conversations
Feeling mentally slowed down
Difficulty finding the right words

These problems can be frustrating, particularly when other people don’t recognize how much they interfere with everyday activities.

The CDC notes that problems with thinking, memory, and concentration can occur with fibromyalgia.

5. Increased Sensitivity

Some people with fibromyalgia experience heightened sensitivity.

Things that might cause relatively little discomfort to someone else may feel considerably more intense.

People may also report sensitivity to temperature, light, noise, or touch.

This doesn’t mean someone is simply “too sensitive.”

Fibromyalgia is associated with changes in how the nervous system processes painful and non-painful signals. Mayo Clinic describes fibromyalgia as amplifying painful sensations by affecting how the brain and spinal cord process signals.

6. Headaches

Recurring headaches can also occur alongside fibromyalgia.

Some people experience tension-type headaches or migraines in addition to their other symptoms.

A headache by itself doesn’t suggest fibromyalgia, of course.

But frequent headaches occurring alongside widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and other characteristic symptoms may be part of a broader pattern that deserves medical evaluation.

7. Digestive Problems