Fibromyalgia Specialist

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Researchers are unaware of the exact cause of this condition but believe there may be a genetic component to blame. It’s also clear that people with certain medical issues have a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. 

Physical and emotional events can trigger fibromyalgia. Certain infections also seem to bring on the condition or worsen its symptoms. Ongoing research may soon reveal more about this painful condition and further improve treatment options. 

What are some signs I might have fibromyalgia?

Widespread musculoskeletal pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. This pain can be throbbing, aching, or burning, and can occur in almost any area of your body. 

Additional symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Fatigue
• Sleep difficulties
• Bloating or constipation
• Cognitive issues
• Muscle or joint pain or stiffness
• Sensations of tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, temperature, or odors

If you notice these changes, it’s important to come in for a diagnostic exam. Chronic pain can cause a wide range of health problems, including depression or other mental health issues. 

Are there treatments that can help with fibromyalgia?

Finding a way to manage the chronic pain of fibromyalgia is key to living a rich and full life. There are therapies that can help, and a personalized approach is the best place to begin. Everyone has a unique fibromyalgia experience, so it makes sense that treatments that work for one person might not be as effective for others. 

Many people strive to manage fibromyalgia pain without drug therapy. Because the condition often lasts a lifetime, living with the side effects and risk of addiction that come with many pain medications is unacceptable to many fibromyalgia patients. 

In some cases, osteopathic manipulation is a great way to ease musculoskeletal pain. This hands-on therapy can restore optimal spinal alignment while relieving pressure on irritated nerve fibers. 

Incorporating supplements into your nutrition planning is also a good way to relieve fibromyalgia pain. Intravenous (IV) nutrition therapy delivers concentrated nutrients directly into your bloodstream. 

Radiofrequency ablation can also be an effective treatment option. This approach uses precisely administered electric current to damage certain nerve tissue, altering the transmission of pain signals. 

If you’d like to explore these and other treatments for fibromyalgia, call OrthoMed Pain & Sports Medicine to set up a consultation. Online booking is also an option and can be done from the comfort of your own home.