Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition in which a person experiences general bodily pain in joints and muscles, as well as in connective tissue and nerves. People with fibromyalgia are considered to be more sensitive to pain, although experts aren’t sure why.
Often coexisting with other health problems, fibromyalgia symptoms can include poor sleep, fatigue, depression and migraines. Some patients with fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Although experts aren’t sure what causes fibromyalgia, here are some possible risk factors for the disorder as well as potential treatment options.
Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
An estimated four million people in the United States alone suffer from fibromyalgia, and the majority of them are women. Doctors aren’t sure why women are more at risk to develop fibromyalgia.
For some patients with the disorder, trauma, extreme stress or a medical procedure could precede symptoms. But not everyone who has fibromyalgia will have a triggering cause, rather symptoms that simply develop with age.
Having a family history of fibromyalgia may also put you more at risk for the disorder, as can some illnesses, including infections. Living with another medical condition, such as arthritis or an autoimmune disorder, may increase your chances of developing fibromyalgia.
How Fibromyalgia Is Treated
For the majority of patients, no singular method of treatment works to improve all fibromyalgia symptoms. However, there are treatments that can help improve your symptoms and your quality of life. These treatments could include:
- Medication. Although narcotics are not the first choice for helping to relieve fibromyalgia pain, other anti-inflammatory medications could be helpful. Some people even find that anti-depressants can help fibromyalgia pain and associated symptoms.
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy and regular exercise can help keep your muscles and joints strong and healthy to reduce discomfort and encourage proper sleep.
- Treatment of any underlying pain. If there’s any physical trauma, such as a surgery or an injury, that initiated your fibromyalgia symptoms, treating any discomfort at these sites can be helpful in managing your pain.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to fibromyalgia, but by working with an experienced pain management clinic, patients can reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Are You Suffering From Fibromyalgia?
Living with fibromyalgia can disrupt your life and lead to chronic discomfort. If you’ve had consistent musculoskeletal pain for more than three months, you could be suffering from fibromyalgia. Contact Summit Spine Joint Centers to schedule a consultation to find out how our board-certified physicians can reduce your pain. Call us at (770) 962-3642 or contact us online today!