What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) and adversely affects sleep, mood, and memory.

Research has indicated that fibromyalgia causes the brain to amplify painful sensations. People with fibromyalgia often have headaches, TMJ issues, anxiety, and depression. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, there are a variety of pain-relieving treatment options that can help control and relieve symptoms. Learn more in the video below.

Fibromyalgia Treatment Options

Treatment options may include:

Exercise
Relaxation
Acupuncture
Physical therapy
Medications (pain relievers, opioids, antidepressants, antiseizure drugs)
Occupational therapy
Counseling
Sleep
Meditation
Yoga
surgery
vitamins
weight management

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Constant, dull pain
Fatigue
Muscle stiffness
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Sleep disorders (insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea)
Cognitive difficulties (a.k.a. “Fibro fog”, impaired focus, attention, concentration)
Widespread (occurring on both sides of body, above and below the waist)

DIAGNOSIS / TESTS

There is no specific lab test that can confirm a diagnosis. However, a physician can review medical history and perform a physical examination among other blood tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. These tests include:

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

Types of Fibromyalgia Pain

Common forms of Fibromyalgia pain include:

Abdominal pain
Allodynia
Headaches
Hyperalgesia
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Paresthesia

Causes of Fibromyalgia

There is no known specific cause, but it is likely that fibromyalgia is related to several factors working in conjunction. These include:

Anxiety or depression
Complex regional pain syndrome
Genetics
Infection
Irritable bowel syndrome

Physical trauma
Stress
Surgery
Tension headaches

Facts

Fibromyalgia is chronic and often lasts a lifetime.
More women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia than men.
The risk of developing fibromyalgia is higher if a family member has it.
There is no specific lab test that can confirm a diagnosis.
People with osteoarthritis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have fibromyalgia.

Schedule An Appointment Today!

The Pain Experts of Arizona was founded to bring the highest level of care in a state-of-the-art setting that emphasizes the belief of treating our patients with the same respect, compassion, and dedication we would treat our own friends and family.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment and let us help you get back on your way to an active life without the limitations of chronic pain. From our Phoenix office, The Pain Experts of Arizona, serves pain management patients in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the entire Phoenix area.

Fibromyalgia Treatmentin Gilbert, AZ