Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition which causes widespread pain in muscles, tendons and joints along with fatigue and sleep problems. This pain can also associate with irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia will also create tender points (places on the body where even slight pressure is very painful).
SYMPTOMS:
Fatigue can be seen in up to 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients and can be related to abnormal sleep patterns. Patients with fibromyalgia do not get enough healthy sleep, also called rapid eye moving (REM) sleep. The following symptoms with different combinations can also be seen in fibromyalgia patients.
- Poor concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
- Abdominal pain with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Bladder problems including frequent urination
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Paresthesia (numbness and tingling sensations in different parts of the body)
Fibromyalgia Pain Causes:
There is no known cause for fibromyalgia pain, but symptoms can often develop after a physical/ emotional trauma. Additionally, genetics and infections will trigger fibromyalgia pain. Most researchers believe that a process called central sensitization is the reason behind the painful symptoms of Fibromyalgia, Central sensitization leads to increased sensitivity in the brain to pain signals. Current research has found that in patients with fibromyalgia, there are elevated levels of a nerve chemical, called substance P. Serotonin, a chemical is lower in patients with fibromyalgia. With repeated nerve stimulation, fibromyalgia can lead to changes in the brain and in processing of pain signals. These changes will cause disturbances of pain perception leading patients to become over reactive to pain signals.
Fibromyalgia Treatment at Advanced Spine and Knee Hospital:
Living with Fibromyalgia can make the patients to lack interest even in tasks of feel overwhelming. Extreme fatigue and widespread pain undoubtedly takes a toll on overall wellbeing and might even be strain personal relationships with family and friends.
There are a number of treatment options and tested measures which can be taken to help in reducing the negative effects of this debilitating condition.
Medical Treatments:
Our Team uses a variety of medical treatments with research spanning from around the world, combined with years of clinical experience. We believe that with the right combination of medication and rehabilitation treatment, patients can see results that vastly improve their lives, and the symptoms of Fibromyalgia can often be reduced dramatically.
Trigger Point Injections:
Trigger point injections have been used the world over for decades. Many patients who have no result with conservative therapies also show great results with trigger point injections. Local treatment of the peripheral muscle/trigger points with a variety of topical and non-drug therapies can provide positive results in achieving better control over widespread symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Additionally, we are pleased to inform that there are few side-effects from these injections for medicine-sensitive patients.
If this sounds like an appealing approach, please book a consultation with us today.