Which symptom is often associated with fibromyalgia?

Severe widespread pain is a hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Patients often describe this pain as a constant dull ache that lasts for at least three months and can affect various areas of the body, making it a defining feature of the disorder. This widespread nature of pain distinguishes fibromyalgia from other conditions that may have localized pain symptoms.

In contrast to the other options, while frequent headaches and muscle spasms can occur in individuals with fibromyalgia, they do not capture the primary symptom that defines the disorder. Nausea may also occur due to related gastrointestinal disturbances, but again, it is not the central symptom illustrative of fibromyalgia. The emphasis on severe widespread pain aligns with key diagnostic criteria and the lived experiences of those who have the condition.