5 Ways Fibromyalgia Pain Assaults our Senses

Originally published August 2021

You probably know by now that someone with fibromyalgia is very sensitive to touch. Many times the slightest touch or the gentlest hug can cause great pain. I have had people tap me on the arm and it felt like that hit me with a bat. This pain lingers for quite a while before my arm will settle down. This is called Hyperalgesia. I have written before about how this pain feels. But there is more to the pain than this. Fibromyalgia is a sensitivity that extends to ALL the senses.

Fibromyalgia Pain – Making Sense of Other Neurological Issues

1. Fibro and our skin

According to Very Well Health, there are actually 7 different types of pain that one can experience due to fibromyalgia. The first you may be aware of is Hyperalgesia. “Hyper” means excess and “algesia” means pain. This is when the level of pain is turned up. Messages are sent to your brain as saying the pain is much worse than it actually is. Any type of pressure on your body gives you extreme pain. I experience this just from getting an ultrasound breast exam.

Myofascial Pain is widespread muscle pain. It is “commonly described as a deep and gnawing soreness, stiffness, aching, or throbbing all over the body, including the arms, legs, neck, and shoulders—is a hallmark feature of fibromyalgia. This includes what is called costochondritis which is tenderness in the chest wall. This pain can be so extreme that you might think you are having a heart attack. OR you may feel like you are wearing an uncomfortable bra when you aren’t wearing anything tight.

Allodynia pain is an itching, burning, tingling, or numbness in the arms. Sometimes I have felt like I have a bad sunburn. Other times, I can’t stand for moving air to touch my skin. I can feel cold on a hot day.

2. Fibro affects our eyes

The way fibro affects my eyes is dryness and sensitivity to light. At times it feels as if someone has stuck a needle in my eye. Over time, it can affect your vision because you are squinting. It is important to see your eye doctor (ophthalmologist, not just an optician) regularly. Don’t neglect your eyes. In retrospect, I have experienced this sign of fibromyalgia since my early twenties. At the time, I thought it was allergies causing mucus to cover my contacts. It was so bad that I finally, resorted to wearing glasses.

3. Loud Noises are Painful to the Fibro Warrior

Noise can cause pain as well. This is why I had to stop working in the children’s department at church. The noise level was too high and it hurt my ears. I can’t be in the same room while the vacuum cleaner runs. Thank goodness, I have a husband who runs the vacuum for me!

Ringing in the ears and dizziness are also problems that can arise since your ears can affect your balance. Make sure you visit an ENT occasionally as well. Fibromyalgia and Hearing Problem: Fibro Affects your Ears – Women With Fibromyalgia (fibrowomen.com) If you are experiencing any balance issues or dizziness, ask your doctor if you can get vestibular therapy. This has made a world of difference for some people.

I have had balance issues since I was 7 or 8. Possibly, due to getting hit on the side of my head with a flying baseball bat. I had forgotten this until going through all the testing when I was diagnosed with Central Sensitivity Syndrome.

4. Our Nose Senses the Pain

Scented perfumes, detergents, and cleaning agents can make someone with FMS feel ill with everything from fatigue to nausea and headaches. Food smells can also make the fibromyalgia sufferer so sick they don’t want to eat anything or start eliminating certain foods from their diet, even if they are healthy items.

I can acquire a serious headache when women who love their perfume walk into the room. Some people cannot use anything in their home that has a smell: ie. candles, soap, air fresheners, and cleaners. Attending church on Easter can be a horrible experience with all the Easter lilies.

Fibromyalgia and Sensitivities: What’s That Smell? (fibromyalgianewstoday.com)

5. The Mouth Senses the Pain

Sometimes, spices are too hot for me. Strangely, it is random. One day I can eat a pepperoni pizza just fine. Then the next day, the pepperoni burns my mouth as if I have eaten a hot pepper. Trust me, I haven’t eaten a hot pepper. 🙂

All the Senses Are Affected

As you can see, Fibromyalgia affects all of the senses. It can be pretty frustrating and many of these issues have no way to help the problem other than avoidance. I hope this helps you understand more about the Pain Warriors Plight. Come back again for more explanations.

Are You Feeling My Pain?

–Mandy

Have More Questions?

Please leave your questions in the comments and I will try to answer them.

Mandy Farmer

Pastor’s Wife (retired) &  Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.

www.mandyandmichele.com