Fibromyalgia consists of painful or tender points in muscles, soft tissues and/or around the joints. It is often accompanied by debilitating fatigue, chronic headaches, stiffness, abdominal pain, tingling or numbness in the fingers or feet, extreme sensitivity to cold and/or heat, and/or inability to concentrate. Patients with fibromyalgia often describe the feeling as if their muscles were stretched or pulled, or even a stabbing pain, without a known cause.
The current understanding of the reasons for these areas of pain is what is termed a central sensitization, that is our central nervous system is hypersensivitive to some of the sensations that would not normally be so distressing. Although knowing this doesn’t decrease the pain you are feeling, it allows a more clear approach to the disorder.
To diagnosis fibromyalgia, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive medical exam and run a number of blood tests to rule out conditions and diseases, like Lyme Disease and low thyroid that have similar symptoms as fibromyalgia.
If you receive a fibromyalgia diagnosis, it’s important to know that while there is no cure, there is a wide array of traditional and alternative treatments available to effectively manage the condition and return to a full and active life. Treatments typically include exercise, medications, behavioral techniques, massage and relaxation therapies. Comprehensive programs such as the Functional Recovery Program have shown to have great effectiveness and outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia.
Chronic and disabling joint and limb pain can be caused by many diseases and conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme Disease, and Lupus, as well as injury and overuse. A thorough medical examination by one of our highly trained physiatrists is essential to receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. If you are suffering with chronic body, joint and/or limb pain, or are undergoing treatment without relief, contact Rehabilitation Physicians, PC for an appointment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (248) 893-3200.