Conditions:
Fibromyalgia
Figuring Out Fibromyalgia: An Invisible Illness
In the United States of America, around 4 to 12 million people have fibromyalgia. Anyone can develop fibromyalgia symptoms, but the trends show that it is two to seven times more common in women between 20 and 50 than in men. Fibromyalgia is an actual condition and categorized as a chronic pain illness that causes a nervous system malfunction.
Fibromyalgia symptoms can be challenging to diagnose, have no specific cause, and are even difficult to live with as the pain gets unmanageable. It takes a lot of courage to tolerate the pain every day, especially when you lose the strength to keep going on.
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia pain, you know how debilitating it can get. But if you are yet to figure out more about this life-changing condition, you are at the right place.
Defining Fibromyalgia
What is fibromyalgia? It is a musculoskeletal disorder that starts as chronic pain in your hips, arms, legs, and head and eventually makes even the most minor tasks seem difficult. In simple words, fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder leading to pain amplification due to abnormal pain processing in the brain. It makes your pain system highly sensitive resulting in restricted mobility, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and sleep troubles.
At Renovaire Pain Care, we regularly see patients who come in with no hope and a lot of confusion in figuring out proper fibromyalgia treatment. Fibromyalgia pain can undoubtedly be called an invisible disorder, and it is often misunderstood, so it is crucial to get your symptoms examined by a specialist.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia symptoms are often unpredictable, difficult to describe and keep coming and going. However, widespread chronic pain (on both sides of the body, above and below the waist) and muscular tenderness are two common fibromyalgia symptoms.
Other red flags include fatigue, dry eyes, tightened muscles, waking up unrefreshed, headaches, mood disturbances, irritable bowel, impaired memory and concentration, and aching joints. Risk factors such as your age, sex, genetics, and other rheumatic disorders, increase the susceptibility. So, fibromyalgia causes a constellation of symptoms and can be absolutely distressing.
Tender point examination is one method most doctors use to make correct diagnoses. If around 11 out of the 18 different fibromyalgia tender points cause pain, fibromyalgia symptoms are confirmed. Our specialists also dedicate their efforts to understanding your individual situation, including the extent and severity of the symptoms.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
The problem is different and complicated with each individual. Thus, at Renovaire Pain Care, we put together a comprehensive plan designed for your particular healthcare needs. We suggest medications, exercises, a healthy fibromyalgia diet, and therapies to help manage the symptoms that cause fibromyalgia. Our primary focus remains on addressing the following:
Sleep – You know what fights half the battle when you are dealing with fibromyalgia pain? Balancing your sleep. It isn’t easy when you are sore, tired, and in pain all the time. But practicing sleep hygiene is a surefire way to gravitate towards healing and sleep deep. If you do need pharmaceutical help, seek that, but no self-tests.
Understanding Your Pain – Understand where you are hurting and why you are hurting, accept your situation without fear, and fight it head-on. Also, find your support group, your motivation, and know that you aren’t alone.
Exercising – You don’t want to move because it hurts. But it helps if you stay in motion and your symptoms won’t worsen. It will help open up your tight muscles, trigger better blow flow, and relax your excruciating pain. Talk to a Renovaire specialist to know what would work best for you.
Diet – The fibromyalgia diet is a critical component and certainly takes you a long way in improving your symptoms. The idea is to get your vitamins, maintain weight, and restore muscle functioning. Proper nutrition also helps with any associated symptoms that you may be dealing with.
Ultimately, the goal is to get back to life with baby steps and not allow a disease to control your life. Instead, you take control of your well-being.
Steps to Success in Overcoming Fibromyalgia
At Renovaire, we have successfully treated several patients with fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic fatigue. We comprehensively assess the symptoms and determine if you have fibromyalgia, something similar, or an entirely different condition. We use FDA-approved fibromyalgia medications and therapies that are noninvasive and painless.
We don’t want you to keep waiting for a cure to feel better. Renovaire Pain Care physicians can help you get your life back on track now.
Our pain medicine specialists have been caring for the Katy community for over 30 years. Call us at 281-768-4122 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Artuoro Sobarzo and learn more about the fibromyalgia strategies and programs that will help you live your best life.