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3. All Senses Are Uncomfortably Heightened
Fibromyalgia leaves you more sensitive to the pain in your muscles, but you may feel other discomforts more intensely, too. Allodynia refers to a heightened sensitivity to touch, and can make you recoil painfully from a simple handshake or a light pat on the back. Changes in certain neurotransmitters and light nerve damage are likely to blame for this, but allodynia can worsen with poor sleep quality. A related problem is sensitivity to light and smell, especially strong or artificial fragrance: fibromyalgia makes it difficult for your mind to sort through all the sensory input that’s constantly swarming your body, and that can impact each sense to some degree.
When people talk about fibromyalgia pain, they may use the terms tender points and trigger points, but what is the difference between the two?