Everything You Should Know About Fibromyalgia
More than 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This chronic disorder is commonly associated with widespread pain in muscles and bones throughout the body. It’s a chronic syndrome that shows up in our bodies with a collection of symptoms.
While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, there are a variety of treatments and lifestyle adjustments that will help improve your overall quality of life. The chronic pain doctor of Asheville at the Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas can help to create a customized relief plan specifically for you.
Read on to learn everything you should know about this chronic condition!
The basics of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an arthritis-related disease. It doesn’t create inflammation or cause damage to joints, tissues or muscles. Fibromyalgia is most known for extensive pain throughout joints and muscles along with fatigue. It’s also believed to be a type of interference with the way the brain processes pain signals—leaving you highly sensitive to pain. Watch our video that describes fibromyalgia here.
Doctors don’t know the cause
While medical researchers and pain management associates Asheville don’t understand the exact cause of fibromyalgia, the many years of treatments have taught us a few things about this chronic illness. Below are a few factors that we’ve seen as potential causes:
Infections
Genetics
Long-term stress
Physical or emotional trauma
Often associated with many symptoms
It’s common that symptoms of fibromyalgia can be all over the place. Many times, patients will experience multiple areas of tenderness, soreness or a consistent dull ache. These areas of pain are often referred to as “trigger points.” Trigger points are parts of the body where even a light touch could cause pain. Along with physical pain, here are a few other common symptoms of fibromyalgia:
Fatigue
Headaches
Depression and anxiety
Mood issues
Insomnia
Brain fog
Lack of focus
Psychological aspects
Just like many other chronic pain conditions, fibromyalgia sufferers can get emotionally overwhelmed with the pain they are feeling. This can lead to depressed thoughts, negative emotions and other emotional health problems. Working with a counselor or pain psychologist may help you deal with difficult emotions and give you a platform to express yourself.
No official diagnostic tests
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are subjective—meaning doctors cannot conduct a test to measure the pain you are feeling. While there is not a known diagnostic test, pain doctors can use blood tests to help rule out other causes and help to determine the right relief strategy to take.
Chronic Pain Doctor Asheville
We understand that when you’re dealing with debilitating pain, there is nothing more important than finding relief—and in turn, taking your life back! Fibromyalgia is not only physically difficult, but also a mental burden. Our medical professionals are here to help you find long-term, sustainable relief.
Get in touch with us by calling 828-483-4438
Disclaimer: You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider before beginning any exercise program. The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice, nor does reading or accessing this