Fibromyalgia Pain Treatments
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Fibromyalgia syndrome is painful and often misunderstood.
If you ache all over, with painful “trigger points,” you could be suffering from Fibromyalgia. Even when you haven’t exercised or used your muscles, they may feel as though they have been severely overworked, and you may experience burning pain, searing pain, pounding or throbbing pain, or a deep stabbing pain. Some fibromyalgia patients feel a constant ache surrounding the joints in their hips, shoulders, back and neck, making it extremely difficult to sleep, exercise, or even get through day-to-day activities. Some believe Fibromyalgia pain is caused by a “glitch” in how the body processes pain. Research has shown that those who suffer from Fibromyalgia also have reduced blood flow to the areas of the brain which normally help the body deal with pain.
Typical Causes and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
There are many theories about what causes Fibromyalgia, although there is no clear consensus among healthcare professionals. Some research concludes that no single event is responsible for Fibromyalgia, rather it results from a combination of emotional and physical stressors. Other theories regarding the cause of Fibromyalgia include:
- Lower levels of serotonin
- Reduced effectiveness of the body’s natural painkilling endorphins
- Trauma to the brain or spinal cord
- Gender—Fibromyalgia is much more common among women than men
- Hormonal changes among women, particularly during menopause
- Low levels of human growth hormone, or HGH
- Extreme levels of stress
- Poor physical conditioning
- Microtrauma to muscles
- Insomnia or other sleep disorders
- Surgery
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia can include:
- Pain, with no apparent cause
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Depression and anxiety
- Headaches
- Constant fatigue
- More stiffness in the morning
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Very painful menstrual cramps
- Tender points on your body
- Tingling and/or numbness in the hands, legs, feet or arms
- Insomnia
- Urinary symptoms, including pain and frequency
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, causing additional frustration to patients who suffer the constant pain of the condition. There is no single laboratory test to diagnose Fibromyalgia, therefore your healthcare provider must rely solely on your reported symptoms. Widespread pain throughout your body for at least three months is generally considered among the criteria for a Fibromyalgia diagnosis.
Treatments for Fibromyalgia Pain
At Seattle Pain we understand your frustration regarding the pain of Fibromyalgia, and our interventional pain management specialists will work hard on your behalf to develop a pain treatment plan which will allow you to return to your normal activities. Some of the treatments we may try at Seattle Pain include:
- Analgesics and muscle relaxants
- Trigger point injections
Are you suffering from Fibromyalgia pain?
Contact Our Seattle Interventional Pain Management Specialists
We understand that fibromyalgia pain can be difficult to control. At Seattle Pain, our primary goal is to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. We believe in treating the whole patient – and not just the injury. You do not have to live in pain.
