Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can affect people in completely unpredictable ways. Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points across the body, fibromyalgia is challenging to define with one-size-fits-all language. For some, unexplained and persistent arm pain can be one of the most frustrating symptoms to manage.
Fortunately, arm pain that arises in people who suffer from fibromyalgia is often treatable with a personalized approach that takes your fibromyalgia diagnosis into consideration.
Types of arm pain affected by fibromyalgia
One of the complexities of fibromyalgia is that it seems to interact with the entire nervous system. This means that pain signals can be amplified in various regions of the body at different times, making it difficult to pinpoint the specific origin or cause. These signals can also lead to different sensations, including:
- Aches that feel deep and diffuse
- Sharp, localized pain
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Persistent muscle soreness
Fibromyalgia-related arm pain can vary between individuals. It may target specific structures like the upper arms or wrists, or manifest as widespread body aches that cause arm pain as a secondary symptom. These many factors make fibromyalgia symptoms incredibly difficult to treat in the long run, especially on one’s own.
Fibromyalgia and upper arm pain
Upper arm and shoulder pain are frequently reported symptoms among individuals with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia upper arm pain may feel like intense pressure, as though the arm has been overworked, even if no strenuous activity occurred. The discomfort often encompasses the shoulder area and collarbone.
Symptoms could be due to pain directly triggered by a fibromyalgia flare-up, muscle tension as a result of pain elsewhere in the body, or gradual posture changes that lead to added stress on the muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint.
Fibromyalgia and forearm or wrist pain
While less common than upper arm pain, fibromyalgia forearm pain and wrist pain can significantly impact daily life. This discomfort may present as:
- Shooting pain that runs through the forearm.
- Tingling or numbness in the wrist, which might feel similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Fatigue in forearm muscles, making it difficult to grip or hold objects.
Although these symptoms are similar to carpal tunnel, the underlying cause is different and will be better managed through fibromyalgia treatment rather than carpal tunnel exercises.
Arm aches and widespread arm pain
For some, arm pain may not be localized to a specific area like the wrist or shoulder. Instead, it can manifest as general arm discomfort. Common descriptions of this type of pain include:
- A deep, throbbing ache that feels like it’s within the bones or muscles.
- Twisting or moving pain that doesn’t stay confined to one part of the arm.
- General soreness, similar to how muscles feel after intense physical activity.
Treating arm pain and fibromyalgia symptoms
For many people with fibromyalgia, the best approach is a comprehensive one, with multiple specialists as needed to coordinate different aspects of your care.
In some cases, physical therapy can be a great first choice for managing fibromyalgia arm pain, and may even be used for long-term management of your symptoms.
At Franklin Rehabilitation, our physical therapists will continuously adapt your treatment plan with the symptoms that are affecting you the most. We focus on treating the underlying condition, especially because a condition like fibromyalgia can manifest in many different ways that can seem impossible to get ahead of.
Other options for treatment that can complement physical therapy include certain medications or even mental health treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.
What many people with fibromyalgia find is that regular movement and reliable relaxation techniques can help relieve the pain of flare-ups, which a physical therapist can help you brainstorm during an appointment.
Start finding fibromyalgia relief at Franklin Rehabilitation
Living with fibromyalgia can feel overwhelming, but hope is not lost. While there’s no cure, finding and practicing the right kind of treatment methods can make this condition manageable. At Franklin Rehabilitation, we specialize in helping individuals address the unique and wide-ranging symptoms of fibromyalgia, including when it manifests as frustrating or debilitating arm pain.
Learn more about your options for treatment, whether you’ve been to physical therapy before or not, by calling our clinic or by requesting an appointment online any time.
