Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points in specific areas of the body. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but researchers believe that it is related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate pain, mood, and sleep.
Fibromyalgia is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 50, although it can occur in people of any age or gender. In addition to the symptoms listed above, individuals with fibromyalgia may also experience headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by primary symptoms which include widespread pain lasting for at least three months. The pain is often described as a constant, dull ache that occurs on both sides of the body and above and below the waist. People with fibromyalgia also frequently experience fatigue, even after sleeping for long periods of time, which can be attributed to disrupted sleep caused by pain and other sleep disorders.
Another symptom, known as “fibro fog,” impairs cognitive function, including the ability to focus and concentrate on mental tasks. Fibromyalgia commonly co-occurs with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and other headaches, interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorders, anxiety, depression, and postural tachycardia syndrome.
How Fibromyalgia is Diagnosed
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging, as there is no single test or imaging study that can definitively identify the condition. Instead, doctors must rely on a combination of physical examination, medical history, and symptom assessment to make a diagnosis. Some doctors may also perform blood tests or imaging studies to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
A few blood tests that may be done include:
- Complete blood count
- Celiac serology
- Cyclic citrullinated peptide test
- Thyroid function tests
- Rheumatoid factor
- Anti-nuclear antibody
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- Vitamin D
Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging, but there are things that individuals can do to help manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. These may include staying active and exercising regularly, eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices.
Treating Fibromyalgia With Ketamine
Ketamine infusion therapy has shown promise as a treatment for fibromyalgia. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that works by blocking certain receptors in the brain. When used in lower doses, it has been found to be effective in treating chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.
Ketamine infusion therapy involves the administration of a small dose of ketamine intravenously over a period of time. This helps to alleviate the chronic pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. The treatment is typically administered in a medical setting under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional.
Ketamine infusion therapy can help to reduce pain levels, improve sleep, and improve mood in patients with fibromyalgia. However, treatment is not without its risks and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.