What is Fibromyalgia?

Chronic pain can take many forms, and one of those forms is a condition called fibromyalgia.  Perhaps you have heard about it or maybe you have been diagnosed with it, and you’re wondering exactly what it is.  Simply put, it is a condition that involves widespread pain throughout the body, paired with a variety of other symptoms such as a lack of sleep, fatigue, and some memory loss.  The condition can make general pain sensations even more painful by amplification, causing other problems along the way like tension, anxiety, and depression. It seems to have a greater effect on women, and it currently has no cure.

Many causes for fibromyalgia are generally unknown, but the condition can sometimes arise from genetics, other illnesses, or even after traumatic events.  The condition usually starts in the muscles and eventually becomes widespread throughout the body. The pain typically manifests itself in “tender points” all over the body which are painful to the touch.  Patients also report high amounts of fatigue, even after sleeping for a long time.

The best way to deal with fibromyalgia is through control measures, which include medication in combination with stress therapy. Three well-known name brand drugs that are approved to treat fibromyalgia are Lyrica, Cymbalta and Savella. While these treatments and procedures can’t cure fibromyalgia completely, they can make life more manageable for those who suffer from it.  With your doctor, you can find a balance to help day-to-day life become more manageable, and be as pain-free as possible.  Another way to manage the pain of fibromyalgia is to remain active and get exercise.  Believe it or not, being active can help keep the pain under control.  The best exercises for fibromyalgia patients are usually low-impact in nature, such as swimming or yoga.  These types of activities can help you keep moving with less pain.

If you have any questions or concerns about fibromyalgia, please contact us at Advanced Pain Management. We will be happy to discuss all your options to get you on the road to recovery.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibromyalgia

This blog is written for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for actual medical treatment. Please contact the APM Augusta office to schedule an appointment if you are in need of medical care.