The pain is real!

People with fibromyalgia often experience amplified pain sensations, where stimuli that are not typically painful are perceived as painful (a phenomenon called allodynia), and normal sensations are felt more intensely (hyperalgesia).

Hyperalgesia is a condition characterized by an increased sensitivity to painful stimuli, resulting in a heightened perception of pain. It can occur in various chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, and is thought to involve changes in the way the nervous system processes pain signals.

There are two main types of hyperalgesia:

1. Primary hyperalgesia: This type occurs at the site of tissue damage or injury. It is a localized increase in sensitivity to painful stimuli in the area surrounding the damaged tissue. For example, if you have a sunburn, the skin around the sunburned area may be more sensitive to touch.
2. Secondary hyperalgesia: This type occurs in areas surrounding the site of tissue damage or injury. It is believed to result from changes in the central nervous system that amplify pain signals. For example, if you have a knee injury, you may also experience increased sensitivity to pain in areas beyond the injured knee.

Hyperalgesia can be a challenging symptom to manage, as it can lead to increased pain perception and difficulty in performing daily activities. Treatment for hyperalgesia often focuses on managing the underlying condition causing the pain, such as fibromyalgia, and may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to help reduce pain sensitivity.