Fibromyalgia Specialist

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, or long-term, condition that affects your nervous system. The condition is somewhat of a mystery because doctors are uncertain of the exact cause. What they do know is that it amplifies sensations of pain across a patient’s body, along with other symptoms.

Doctors believe that some sort of stress triggers cases of fibromyalgia by changing the way your brain and the rest of your body communicate. Some speculate that these changes turn up the volume of pain in your brain to maximum, dubbing it as central pain amplification disorder.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The only way that doctors can diagnose fibromyalgia is by assessing the symptoms and ruling out other potential causes. 

Common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia typically come and go. They include:

• Widespread pain
• Touch sensitivity
• Fatigue
• Inadequate sleep
• Foggy thinking
• Memory problems
• Anxiety or depression
• Migraine
• Digestive problems

Despite the severity of its symptoms, fibromyalgia doesn’t lead to serious or life-threatening complications. Even if you can’t identify a specific event that kickstarted your condition, these and other symptoms can set in gradually and worsen over time.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Fibromyalgia has no known cure. However, Houston Pain Specialists offers plenty of options to manage your symptoms and help you live somewhat comfortably with the condition. 

Your symptom management plan might include:

• An exercise plan
• Pain relief medications
• Antidepressants
• Counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy
• Physical or occupational therapy

Because fibromyalgia symptoms are so diverse, you may be referred to one or more specialists to aid in your treatment. Outside of the office, you should try to reduce stress, sleep to the best of your ability, eat healthily, and exercise regularly. Exercise is the most effective aspect of fibromyalgia treatment.

Am I at risk of getting fibromyalgia?

Some patients are at a higher risk of getting fibromyalgia than others. Risk factors for the condition include:

• Being a woman
• Having family members with it
• Having a rheumatic disease (e.g. arthritis, lupus)
• Physical trauma
• Severe psychological stress

Your doctor at Houston Pain Specialists takes these factors into account when determining whether you have fibromyalgia or another condition. 

If you’ve noticed an increase in your pain perception or if your unusual symptoms are affecting your ability to get adequate rest, don’t hesitate to call Houston Pain Specialists or book your appointment online today.