What are the primary symptoms associated with fibromyalgia?

The primary symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are indeed muscle tenderness and stress. Fibromyalgia is characterized primarily by widespread musculoskeletal pain, which is often linked with fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. The hallmark symptom is the tenderness experienced in muscles and soft tissues throughout the body, which can be exacerbated by physical or emotional stress.

Additionally, individuals with fibromyalgia frequently experience heightened sensitivity to pain, known as "central sensitization," which can enhance the perception of pain in response to non-painful stimuli. This sensitivity contributes to the stress component of the condition, as living with chronic pain can lead to anxiety and depression.

While fatigue and weakness, joint swelling and redness, and nausea and dizziness are symptoms that may occur in other conditions, they do not specifically capture the essence of fibromyalgia. Fatigue is indeed a common symptom, but it is part of the broader spectrum that includes muscle tenderness, making the latter the most prominent and defining characteristic of fibromyalgia.