Fibromyalgia
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Overview
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition that affects nearly 10 million people in the U.S. and about 314 million worldwide. Its symptoms can feel flu-like, including widespread body aches, exhaustion, digestive issues, and heightened sensitivity. Although it is most common in women, fibromyalgia can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. Many experts describe it as a central nervous system disorder that changes how the body processes sensation, causing normally gentle touch to feel intensely painful. Widespread pain is the primary symptom. It often affects muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and may worsen with weather changes, activity, or stress. Other common symptoms include severe fatigue, sleep problems, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, environmental sensitivities, anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties. Causes The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but symptoms often begin after physical or emotional trauma. Common triggers include car accidents, surgery, illness, prolonged stress or anxiety, emotional abuse, and psychiatric distress. Symptoms Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose because no lab test confirms it, and many patients appear healthy. A knowledgeable doctor should first rule out other possible causes of symptoms. Diagnosis has traditionally considered widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least three months, along with tenderness or pain in multiple established tender points. Treatment Options There is no cure for fibromyalgia, and symptoms may last for months or years. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving sleep, and supporting daily function. Plans often combine medication, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage. If you are being treated for fibromyalgia but still have pain, visit Spine Pain Diagnostics Associates. Our physicians treat fibromyalgia pain when traditional therapies have not provided relief. |
Are you ready to learn about your options for fibromyalgia? Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
(888) 724-6377 |