The Different Types of Fibromyalgia

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                                             Understanding What We’re Dealing With


When people hear “fibromyalgia,” they often assume it’s just one condition with the same symptoms for everyone. But if you’ve been living with it, you’ll know that’s far from the truth. There are actually different types of fibromyalgia, and understanding which one you have can help you manage it better.


I’ve spent years trying to figure out my own symptoms, and along the way, I’ve learned that fibro isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people struggle more with pain, while others deal with extreme fatigue, cognitive issues, or a mix of everything (lucky us, right?).


1. Hyperalgesic Fibromyalgia (Pain-Dominant)


This is the type where pain takes center stage. Every touch, every movement, and sometimes even the weight of a blanket can feel unbearable. People with this type tend to experience widespread pain that feels deep, burning, or stabbing. Triggers like weather changes, stress, or even just a bad night’s sleep can make things worse.


2. Dyscognitive Fibromyalgia (Fibro Fog-Dominant)


Brain fog is something we all experience with fibro, but for some, it’s the worst symptom. This type is marked by forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and difficulty processing information. It feels like your brain is wrapped in cotton, making even simple tasks frustrating. If you’ve ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why (for the tenth time that day), you know what I mean.


3. Hypersensitive Fibromyalgia (Sensory Overload-Dominant)


Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells—everything feels like an assault on the senses. This type of fibro makes you extremely sensitive to the environment. Perfumes, fluorescent lighting, and even certain fabrics can trigger flares. It’s exhausting to always be on high alert for things that might make your symptoms worse.


4. Fatigue-Dominant Fibromyalgia (Chronic Exhaustion)


Some of us experience pain, but the real struggle is the crushing fatigue. It’s not just feeling tired—it’s the kind of exhaustion that makes getting out of bed feel impossible. Even after a full night’s sleep (if that ever happens), you wake up feeling like you ran a marathon.


5. Mixed Fibromyalgia (The ‘Lucky’ Combo)


Of course, there are those of us who check all the boxes. Pain, brain fog, sensitivity, fatigue—we get it all. This is the most common type of fibro, and it’s why managing symptoms can feel like a never-ending game of trial and error. What works one day might not work the next, which makes self-care and patience so important.


Why Does It Matter?


Knowing which type of fibromyalgia you have won’t cure it (I wish!), but it can help you focus on managing your worst symptoms. It also helps when explaining your struggles to doctors, family, and friends. Fibro is already misunderstood enough—understanding your own version of it can make a big difference in getting the right support and treatment.


If you’re dealing with fibromyalgia, which type do you relate to the most? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear how you manage your symptoms!

https://x.com/FlareflourishF

https://flareflourish.blogspot.com/

Stay Strong!

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