Managing the Pain of Fibromyalgia

If you’re one of the millions of Americans living with the chronic health condition fibromyalgia, you’re no stranger to pain and discomfort. Despite affecting almost two percent of the total adult population in the United States, fibromyalgia is still something of a mystery to health experts. There is no known underlying cause for the condition, which can cause a wide range of deeply unpleasant symptoms and disrupt everyday life.

What is Fibromyalgia?

The hallmarks of fibromyalgia include widespread and ongoing pain throughout the body, fatigue, memory loss and mood issues. While it’s not known what triggers the illness, symptoms often appear in patients after surgery, physical illness or emotional trauma. These symptoms can present suddenly, or increase gradually over time. Commonly reported symptoms include:

• Postural tachycardia syndrome
• Anxiety and depression
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Migraines and chronic headaches

There is also no known cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatments which have been proven effective in many patients. Because researchers believe fibromyalgia is likely caused by how the nerves of affected patients report pain to the brain, regenerative therapies show much promise as well.

How is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Regardless of how common fibromyalgia is and how deeply it affects those living with the condition, many physicians struggle to both diagnose and treat it effectively. For most, seeking treatment from a specialist with a focus on fibromyalgia will lead to the best outcome.

A comprehensive pain management plan covers everything from medical interventions and medications to diet and lifestyle changes tailored to improve the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms. A complete review of your family and medical history helps to gather information about potential triggers so they can be addressed as part of your pain management plan.

Dr. Nini at Full Range Spine & Ortho provides knowledgeable, compassionate care to people living with fibromyalgia in the Los Angeles area. If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and are currently struggling to manage your condition effectively, we can help. Contact Full Range Spine & Ortho today to learn more about Dr. Nini’s unique and dedicated approach to fibromyalgia treatment and pain management.