Did You Know!
Fibromyalgia Can Increase Sensitivity to Everyday Stimuli
It’s More Than Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia is widely known for causing widespread pain, but many people don’t realize that it can also make the nervous system unusually sensitive to everyday sensations.
Researchers believe the brain and spinal cord may amplify normal sensory signals, causing ordinary experiences to feel overwhelming.
People with fibromyalgia may become unusually sensitive to:
- Bright lights
- Loud sounds
- Strong smells
- Heat or cold
- Clothing tags or tight clothing
- Gentle touch
- Pressure from blankets
- Crowded or noisy environments
This heightened sensitivity is sometimes described as the brain’s “volume control” being turned up too high.
Temperature sensitivity is especially common
Many patients report feeling freezing cold while everyone else feels comfortable—or becoming overheated much more quickly than others.
Why does this happen?
Scientists believe fibromyalgia involves central sensitization, a process in which the brain becomes more responsive to pain and sensory input. As a result, signals that would normally be considered mild can be perceived as much stronger.
