Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is the second most common condition affecting your muscles and bones which affects your sensitivity to touch. Fibromyalgia is associated with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, mood changes, and memory problems. According to the Arthritis Foundation, fibromyalgia affects more than 3.7 million Americans, with the majority being women between the ages of 40 and 75. There is no single known cause of fibromyalgia but could be various factors working together. These could include genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma. The way your brain and spinal cord process pain signals from your nerves has been linked to fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia causes pain and tenderness all over the body but there are other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

• Trouble sleeping
• Morning stiffness
• Headaches
• Painful menstrual periods
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Problems with thinking and memory called “fibro fog”
• Feeling nervous, worried, or depressed

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Treatment

There are three main criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia.

1. Pain and symptoms over the past week based on the total number of painful areas out of 19 parts of the body plus how severe your fatigue, unrestful sleep, and memory problems.
2. Symptoms lasting at least 3 months
3. No other health problems that would explain the symptoms

Although, there is no cure for fibromyalgia it can be maintained by minimizing symptoms and improving general health. Treatment of fibromyalgia consists of medicine, self-care, and therapy. Besides pain relievers, there are certain medicines that the Food and Drug Administration approved to specifically treat fibromyalgia. Self-care includes diet, exercise, stress management, and relaxation techniques. Cognitive behavior therapy will focus on understanding how your thoughts and behaviors affect pain and other symptoms. Learning to lessen the pain through symptom and stress reduction is important in maintaining fibromyalgia. Acupuncture and chiropractic care could help alleviate pain experienced from fibromyalgia.

Pain Management Specialists for Fibromyalgia

The pain management specialists at Allied Pain & Spine Institute are ready to help you if you are suffering from fibromyalgia. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Posted on behalf of Allied Pain & Spine Institute