Call your doctor if you have had the following symptoms for more than 6 weeks without an obvious cause. They may be signs of fibromyalgia, especially if they have developed gradually.

• Widespread muscle tenderness and pain, particularly on both sides of the body and both above and below the waist
• Disturbed sleep (tossing, turning, waking up frequently during the night) and waking up feeling tired and unrested
• Muscle and joint stiffness that doesn't get better when you move around

If you have fibromyalgia, be alert to symptoms of depression, such as a loss of interest in things you usually enjoy or changes in eating and sleeping habits. These can often be successfully treated if you tell your doctor about them.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting means taking a wait-and-see approach. It is normal to have sore muscles when you overexert yourself. This pain usually will go away after a few days. If you think you are injured and the muscle or joint pain does not go away in a few days (no more than a week), talk with your doctor.

Who To See

Not every doctor will be comfortable diagnosing or treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia, because it still is not a well-defined disorder. Be sure to seek a doctor who is sensitive to your chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Those health professionals with the most experience with fibromyalgia include:

• Rheumatologists, who have the most experience with diagnosing fibromyalgia.
• Pain management specialists, who have experience with treatment.

Other health professionals who may be able to help you manage your fibromyalgia include:

• Family medicine physicians.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

Pain management programs can be helpful, too. These typically include a team of doctors, counselors, nurses, and pharmacists who can help you develop a strategy for pain management. Your personal program may include medicines, complementary therapies, diet, exercise, and counseling.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment