Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread body pain along with mood and memory issues, sleep problems, fatigue, and other symptoms that negatively affect your quality of life when left untreated. 

This condition may appear because of the way your spinal cord and brain process pain signals. Treating fibromyalgia eases discomfort, allowing you to live your best life pain-free. 

Which symptoms can fibromyalgia cause?

Fibromyalgia can cause the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Widespread pain
• Dull aching
• Pain on both sides of your body and below and above the waist
• Discomfort lasting at least three months
• Brain fog (problems concentrating)
• Difficulty sleeping

Your symptoms may be mild and not bother you much or extreme and debilitating when not addressed.

You might also experience sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome because of fibromyalgia. Other conditions that sometimes coexist with fibromyalgia include chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), painful bladder syndrome, anxiety, and mood disorders.

What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?

Risk factors for developing fibromyalgia include:

• Infections
• Genetics/family history
• Illnesses
• Injuries
• Prolonged psychological stress
• Lupus
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Being female

Women develop fibromyalgia more often than men. However, the exact cause of fibromyalgia isn’t clear.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Diagnosing fibromyalgia at the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine consists of a discussion about your symptoms and medical history, physical exam, blood testing, or other diagnostic tests to rule out similar conditions and establish the most effective treatment plan. Your provider personalizes a solution that offers an exceptional, long-lasting outcome. 

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Treating fibromyalgia may include one or more of the following strategies:

• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription medicines
• Corticosteroid injections 
• Trigger point injections 
• Intrathecal drug delivery 
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy 
• Counseling
• Stress management
• Sleep hygiene 

It’s also important to maintain an ideal body weight, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and take dietary supplements if asked to. Avoid overtraining, tobacco products, and excessive alcohol and caffeine intake. You might find additional relief from massage, acupuncture, tai chi, or yoga. Follow up with the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine specialists routinely.

Schedule a fibromyalgia evaluation at the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.