Understanding Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a neurological health condition that causes musculoskeletal pain, among a host of other issues. Though it is not entirely understood, research shows that the nervous system is also involved. Most common in women, the disorder typically materializes in middle adulthood. Fibromyalgia affects more than 4 million adults in the U.S. and is more prevalent in women than men. Doctors have recognized a group of risk factors that may lead to a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Among them are repetitive injuries, viral infections, obesity, family history, and stressful or traumatic events. Additionally, individuals who suffer from lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop the condition.

Medical experts suggest repeated nerve stimulation causes brain alterations in those who have fibromyalgia. Changes may include an atypical increase in neurotransmitters, which signal pain. Furthermore, the brain’s pain receptors often develop pain memories, making them more sensitive and causing them to overreact to pain signals.

Fibromyalgia symptoms vary from patient to patient, and the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms can change on a daily basis. Most notably, people living with fibromyalgia experience chronic musculoskeletal pain all over their bodies. Other symptoms include:

• Fatigue – In addition to sleep being interrupted by pain, many individuals with fibromyalgia also have other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.
• Cognitive difficulties – Colloquially known as “fibro fog,” patients find it challenging to focus or pay attention to mental tasks.
• Depression and anxiety – Mental health issues often accompany fibromyalgia.

There are also a host of symptoms and other conditions that co-exist with fibromyalgia, such as:

• Migraine or tension headaches
• Digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ)
• Irritable or overactive bladder
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

There is no specific fibromyalgia test, so doctors must analyze one’s symptoms to make a proper diagnosis. If a patient experiences widespread pain for longer than three months, your doctor at Greater Maryland Pain Management may determine fibromyalgia as the cause. However, we may perform several blood tests to rule out other medical conditions with similar symptoms. The tests may include:

• Complete blood count
• Cyclic citrullinated peptide test
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Rheumatoid factor
• Thyroid function tests

Every case of fibromyalgia is different, as is every fibromyalgia treatment plan. Your team of medical professionals at Greater Maryland Pain Management will devise a treatment plan that is specific to your symptoms and ailments. Our holistic approaches help patients find relief from pain and improve their ability to execute routine activities. Among the non-drug therapies that we often include in fibromyalgia treatment plans are:

• Aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises
• Stress management techniques
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat depression symptoms
• Sleep management to improve sleep quality
• Nutritional education to optimize health

Additionally, your doctors at Greater Maryland Pain Management in Odenton, MD may suggest medications to help cope with fibromyalgia pain and associated symptoms. Medicine to treat fibromyalgia symptoms can include prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter options. We may even recommend bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for fibromyalgia caused by thyroid or adrenal imbalance. Regardless of the fibromyalgia treatment measures we take, you can rest assured they are specific to your condition and will address pain points and challenges that are hindering your lifestyle.