What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes musculoskeletal aches and pains all over your body. This condition often causes other debilitating symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes to your memory or mood.
When you have fibromyalgia, your sensitivity to pain becomes amplified. This happens because fibromyalgia causes your brain to process pain signals abnormally.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic widespread pain and stiffness. The pain often causes a constant, dull ache and lasts for at least three months. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
- Cognitive and memory problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression and anxiety
- Headaches, including migraines
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
- Restless leg syndrome
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Painful menstrual periods
- Pain in the face or jaw (TMJ pain)
Fibromyalgia is more likely to cause certain symptoms in women than in men, including morning fatigue, IBS, and pain that occurs all over the body.
Who gets fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia affects about 2% of adults in the United States and is more common in women than men. People of all ages can develop this condition, bit it’s most common among adults who are middle-aged or older. You’re more likely to get fibromyalgia if you have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose fibromyalgia, your physician at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care begins with a thorough physical exam and review of your symptoms and medical history. They may also take tests, such as an X-ray or blood test.
There’s no cure for fibromyalgia, but the team at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care develops a personalized pain management plan to relieve your symptoms. Depending on your needs, fibromyalgia treatment may include:
- Medications to relieve pain
- Physical therapy
- Talk therapy
Your physician may also recommend steps you can take at home to relieve your symptoms, such as exercising regularly and reducing stress.
To learn how you can find relief from the painful and disabling symptoms brought on by fibromyalgia, call Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care or schedule an appointment using online booking today.
