Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and a range of other symptoms such as sleep problems, gastrointestinal issues, memory problems, and more. Often mistaken for other conditions, especially at its onset, its causes remain largely unknown and it is typically diagnosed through a process of elimination. Fibromyalgia symptoms may flare up unexpectedly and last for weeks, months, or years. There is no cure for the condition, but its symptoms can often be effectively managed using a spectrum of different approaches.

People suffering from fibromyalgia often experience pain in extremely sensitive trigger points in the head, shoulders, upper chest, arm joints, hips, leg joints, lower back, and other areas of the body. Pain may also radiate or extend into broader problem areas that remain inflamed and cause discomfort over long periods of time. In addition to pain, many fibromyalgia patients deal with high levels of stress and/or physical or emotional trauma. Every patient’s experience of the condition is different, and treatment plans must be customized accordingly.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain in muscles and soft tissues throughout the body. Fibromyalgia pain may range from mild to severe and feel like an ache, burn, or throb that doesn’t go away. Pain patterns usually involve recurring flare-ups but the severity and location of pain may shift over time.

In addition to pain, other common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may include:

• Sleep disturbances and/or insomnia
• Mental health issues including depression and anxiety
• Memory problems and/or difficulty focusing or thinking clearly (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”)
• Bladder control problems
• Digestive problems (irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and more)
• Chronic fatigue, even after resting
• Headaches
• Muscle spasms and stiffness
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as light, noise, and changes in temperature
• Dry eyes
• Itching

If you are experiencing widespread muscle pain along with one or more of the symptoms above, it may be time to seek an accurate diagnosis and treatment. The compassionate and highly experienced team of pain management specialists at Resolve Pain and Spine will work closely with you to get to the bottom of the discomfort you are experiencing and put you on the quickest path to recovery.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The precise causes of fibromyalgia remain poorly understood, but the condition is linked to changes that cause pain thresholds to decrease and the brain, nerves, and nerve receptors to become overly reactive to pain signals. While the following factors do not directly cause fibromyalgia, they may increase your likelihood of being affected by it:

• A family history of fibromyalgia (especially one or both parents)
• Having suffered from illnesses such as pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus, or gastrointestinal infections
• Experiencing physical or emotional trauma
• Living with high levels of stress, including PTSD
• Being born female
• Being between the ages of 25-55

People who live with fibromyalgia may find that the condition is directly triggered by factors such as:

• Stress

• Illness
• Emotional or physical trauma
• A poor or inconsistent diet
• Lack of sleep
• Environmental changes (weather, location)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Fibromyalgia can present in many different ways and may be challenging to properly diagnose and manage. That’s why our world-class team of pain management doctors at Resolve Pain and Spine is so dedicated to investing the time and energy necessary to understand each patient’s unique symptoms, experiences, and health goals. We realize how devastating the unpredictable, long-lasting pain associated with fibromyalgia can be, and we’re committed to helping you resolve it.

Using a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to pain management, we combine a variety of complementary therapies and treatments to achieve outstanding outcomes for our patients. Among others, these include:

• Acupuncture
• Non-opioid pain management
• Physical therapy
• PRP treatment
• Stem cell therapy
• Trigger point injections
• Lifestyle counseling
• Medication management

Why Choose Resolve Pain and Spine Center?

At Resolve Pain and Spine, we draw on regenerative, functional, integrative, and interventional pain management approaches to develop big-picture treatment plans for our patients that effectively move them forward with reduced pain and increased confidence. When you walk through the doors of our clinic, you can expect to be treated as our priority, and embark on a journey toward the pain-free lifestyle you envision.

If you are living with fibromyalgia, we can offer you new hope and an opportunity to holistically manage your symptoms. We look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you on your journey to recovery!

Schedule an Appointment Today!

The exceptional and experienced team at Resolve Pain and Spine is available to help you manage fibromyalgia symptoms and regain your quality of life. Contact us directly below to book your initial appointment today!