Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder believed to be characterized by extensive musculoskeletal pain. It is also a type of interference on how pain signals are being processed by the brain leaving you very sensitive to pain, and feeling a long-lasting pain throughout the body. The pain usually goes with fatigue, sleep, memory and mood problems.
Symptoms
Widespread pain is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia. This pain is often characterized as a constant dull ache which can last for three months or more. The pain occurs on both sides of the body, as well as the upper and lower parts. In other words, the pain is felt almost everywhere.
Aside from pain, other symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue and cognitive difficulties. People with fibromyalgia report that they often wake up tired. They also experience disrupted sleep due to the pain. Another symptom is cognitive difficulty, which is also called “fibro fog.” This impairs the person’s ability to concentrate and pay attention to certain mental tasks.
Other than the symptoms, fibromyalgia also co-exists with other pain conditions, including the following: irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, interstitial cystitis, and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Causes
Doctors and researchers remain un-sure on why fibromyalgia develops. They have considered several key factors that may play a role in its development. It has been associated with genetics and has also been linked to certain types of infections. However, it was also observed to have been triggered by both physical and or emotional trauma. Nevertheless in some cases, a symptom slowly builds up over time without one triggering event.
There are, however, risk factors that may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. These factors are as follows: sex (because it is more common in women than in men), family history, and other disorders (such as lupus, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis).
Treatment
The general treatment for fibromyalgia is a combination of self-care and medication. The treatments are to minimize the symptoms and improve the general health of the patient.
Medications help reduce pain and improve sleep of the patient. The common medications used for fibromyalgia are pain relievers (over-the-counter pain meds and prescribed pain relievers), antidepressants for the fatigue and sleep disorder, and anti-seizure drugs in some cases.
Aside from medications, there are also various therapies helpful for fibromyalgia. Examples include physical therapy and exercises, occupational therapy, and even counseling. Alternative medicines are also an option for the pain and stress. On top of all these treatments, self-care is important. A healthy lifestyle and diet help improve overall health and wellness.
However, if you really need advanced treatment suited for your individual needs, seeking medical attention from pain specialists is a big plus. AZ Pain and Spine provides pain management solutions and treatments for fibromyalgia, as well as other pain conditions.
Book Appointment
Being a pain specialist, AZ Pain and Spine is well-equipped in handling various pain conditions, including fibromyalgia. We have a team of specialists who are highly trained and experienced. We use state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients. We believe that every patient deserves a shot at living a pain-free life.
If you have fibromyalgia, let us help you ease the pain and discomfort. Make an appointment with us today and get started.