What Is Fibromyalgia?
If you’ve been told that you have fibromyalgia, or if one of your friends or family members has suggested that fibromyalgia might be what’s causing your pain, you’re probably wondering what this condition involves and whether it can be treated. Fibromyalgia is a highly unpleasant disorder that causes chronic, widespread pain across the musculoskeletal system (which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves). Fibromyalgia pain is often described as being a continuous ache, although it can manifest as a sharp, dull, or throbbing sensation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fibromyalgia affects approximately 2% of the U.S. adult population (about 4 million people).
Fibromyalgia Causes
Researchers are still working diligently to identify exactly what causes fibromyalgia. With that being said, there are certain risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop this disorder. For example, when compared to men, women have a higher chance of developing fibromyalgia. Genetics also appears to play a role in the development of fibromyalgia, so someone may be at greater risk if a parent or sibling has the disorder. Also, individuals with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis tend to have a higher chance of developing fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
As noted above, the primary symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain. For pain to be considered “widespread,” someone must experience it on both sides of his or her body, and above and below his or her waist. People with fibromyalgia may also experience:
- Stiffness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Fatigue
- Migraines
- Tension headaches
- Dry eyes
- Bladder problems
- Difficulty concentrating (often referred to as “fibro fog”)
- Memory problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Moodiness
Many of these symptoms stem from the pain associated with fibromyalgia. For example, someone may be fatigued if he or she has difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep due to fibromyalgia pain. Fibromyalgia symptoms often develop slowly, gradually worsening over time. However, there are certain circumstances that can trigger the onset of symptoms. These triggers include:
- Stress
- Physical trauma
- Infection
- Surgery
Fibromyalgia Treatment
Although there’s currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are a number of conservative treatment methods that can help manage the symptoms of this disorder. These treatments include:
- Taking pain medication, anti-seizure medication, and/or antidepressants
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising
- Attending physical therapy and/or occupational therapy
- Practicing relaxation techniques
Many people have also found certain alternative medicine techniques, like massage therapy and acupuncture, to be helpful in treating fibromyalgia symptoms.
Fibromyalgia Treatment for Patients in Carson City, NV & Surrounding Areas
Residents of Carson City, Nevada, and nearby communities can turn to Tahoe Fracture & Orthopedic Medical Clinic for first-rate fibromyalgia treatment. We’re a full-service orthopedic practice that’s treated tens of thousands of patients since our founding in 1966, and we’re proud to offer our patients a comprehensive care experience.
Contact Tahoe Fracture & Orthopedic Medical Clinic today to schedule an appointment with one of the orthopedic specialists at our practice. We look forward to helping you determine exactly what’s causing your pain and developing a treatment plan to provide you with much-needed relief.