Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects up to 6% of the world’s population, and among that population, up to 90% of sufferers are women. Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. According to research, fibromyalgia amplifies the volume of pain sensation in the brain, which then presents itself in the body as sensitivity to even the lightest touch.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
There is currently no known cause of fibromyalgia, and until recently, doctors and researchers were unsure fibromyalgia was an actual disorder. As a result, the stigma surrounding fibromyalgia’s legitimacy can cause depression in sufferers. Now, as research confirms fibromyalgia is a legitimate chronic pain disorder, the stigma surrounding it is fading. The causes, however, are still unknown, though it is believed that fibromyalgia is caused by one of the following:
- Genetics
- Infection due to illness
- Stress
- Trauma
Studies show that patients’ brains change with repeated nerve stimulation, and the over-arching cause in patients suffering from fibromyalgia is a lower pain threshold due to increased brain sensitivity.
Symptoms
Pain associated with fibromyalgia often varies based on stress, physical activity, or even the weather or time of day.
The condition is often described as widespread pain in the form of a constant, dull achy feeling, or a feeling of waking up tired and in a constant state of fatigue. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
Mood and memory issues
Sleep disturbances
Excessive sleeping without feeling rested
Depression or anxiety
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes
Dry eyes, skin, and mouth
In addition, fibromyalgia seems to work in collaboration with a variety of other health issues, including :
- Migraines
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Painful menstruation
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Diagnosis
In diagnosing fibromyalgia, your physician will likely review your medical history and conduct a physical examination. While there is currently not a blood test that can detect fibromyalgia, your physician may order a blood test to rule out other health issues.
Possible Treatments
Fibromyalgia treatment options will vary based on age, activity level, overall health, and the severity of the disorder. Treatment, however, should begin with self-care in the form of exercise, a healthy diet, reduced stress, and increasing sleep. In conjunction, prescribed medications, such as FDA approved fibromyalgia pain relievers, anti-depressants, anti-seizure drugs, and muscle relaxants can help alleviate symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Some other common treatment options include:
At 360 Pain Treatment, our mission is to provide compassionate pain relief, restore prior function and activity levels, and optimize the quality of life for all.
360 Pain Treatment aspires to create a culture of care in our communities by helping those suffering with pain to live more pain-free and thus improving their quality of life.
- Compassion for all who are ailing and in need of help.
- Advancement of minimally invasive healthcare procedures that firstly considers patient wellbeing.
- Respect and inclusion for everyone we serve in our communities.
- Excellence and efficiency in all that we do.
Success Stories
- Bob Johnson