Patients with fibromyalgia experience widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep, and issues with mood and memory.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia may cause widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Patients may experience a constant dull ache on both sides of the body and above and below the waist. The pain associated with fibromyalgia may also disrupt sleep and lead to other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. “Fibro fog” can impair a patient’s ability to focus and concentrate on mental tasks.
The condition may coexist with the following illnesses:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Migraine and other types of headaches
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
- Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome
- Postural tachycardia syndrome
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Repeated nerve stimulation may cause the brain and spinal cord to change in patients with fibromyalgia, according to researchers. This change can cause an abnormal increase in certain chemicals in the brain that stimulate pain. In addition, pain receptors in the brain may develop a memory of the pain and become highly sensitized, causing them to overreact to painful and nonpainful signals.
Factors that can lead to these changes include genetics, infections, prolonged psychological stress, and physical or emotional events.
Women, patients with a family history of fibromyalgia, and patients with osteoarthritis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing the condition.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, patients should have chronic pain lasting for at least three months in at least four of the following five areas:
- Left upper region, which includes the shoulder, arm, and jaw
- Right upper region (shoulder, arm, and jaw)
- Left lower region, which includes the hip, buttock, and leg
- Right lower region (hip, buttock, and leg)
- Axial region, which includes the neck, chest, back, and abdomen
When evaluating a patient for fibromyalgia, Dr. Alireza Bozorgi will also order blood tests to rule out other conditions. Patients may need to complete the following blood tests:
- Anti-nuclear antibody
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- Celiac serology
- Cyclic citrullinated peptide test
- Rheumatoid factor
- Thyroid function tests
- Vitamin D
- Complete blood count
Treatment For Fibromyalgia
Dr. Alireza Bozorgi takes a multidisciplinary approach when creating a treatment plan for fibromyalgia. Patients may be treated with medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.
Medications that can improve symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Antidepressants like duloxetine and milnacipran can help alleviate pain and fatigue, while amitriptyline and cyclobenzaprine can help promote sleep. Other drugs that can ease pain associated with fibromyalgia include gabapentin and pregabalin.
Physical therapy may help improve patient strength, flexibility, and stamina, while occupational therapy can help patients make adjustments to their workplace to allow them to minimize stress on the body while performing certain tasks.
Lastly, counseling can help patients improve self-confidence in their ability to deal with fibromyalgia. A counselor will equip patients with strategies for overcoming stressful situations.
Self-care is another important part of living with fibromyalgia. Patients should avoid or limit overexertion, take steps to improve sleep hygiene, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.