03/08/2026
Can Anyone Relate?
I know we all suffer differently. My legs and hips feel like thick balloons wanting to pop with something trying to poke at it. My spine pain feels like sharp spurs running down both sides of my spine radiating pain throughout. My neck well it's just straight pain.
Anyone relate to this exruciating pain?
FYI, this is how I feel not how I actually look. People with actual fibromyalgia will understand.
Similar to photo.
It’s not noticeable swelling, just feels like it. More common with 1. Fibromyalgia
This is one of the most common causes of:
Painful to touch muscles
Feeling puffy or swollen without visible swelling
Pain in hips, thighs, shoulders
Symmetrical symptoms (both sides)
Tender points
People often say the areas feel swollen or bruised, even when they look normal.
2. Small Fiber Neuropathy
SFN can cause:
Burning or hypersensitive skin
Pain with light touch
A swollen or tight feeling
However, SFN usually affects feet and hands first, though it can spread.
3. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
This can cause:
Deep muscle tenderness
Pain when pressing certain areas
Tight bands or trigger points
Symmetrical muscle soreness
4. Lipedema
Sometimes considered when there is:
Pain in hips and thighs
Tender fat tissue
Symmetrical distribution
Feeling swollen or heavy
