Fibromyalgia is an ailment affecting the muscles and soft tissue. The disease is chronic in nature and has no cure, but is not known to be progressive. Fibromyalgia is the second-most common condition in the United States, with twelve million people afflicted. 80-90% of those suffering from the ailment are women between the ages of 25 and 60. Fibromyalgia often has a triggering cause, such a repetitive injury or an unusually stressful physical or emotional event. Some individuals can also be at a genetic risk for developing the disease.
Characteristics of Fibromyalgia are a widespread joint pain with a decreased tolerance. The condition has multiple symptoms, some of which include:
- Pain in the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and abdominal area
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Morning stiffness
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cold or heat sensitivity
- Chronic Headaches
- Difficulty with concentration
- Incontinence and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Although fibromyalgia is not considered to be a form of arthritis, those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis tend to be more prone to developing the disease.
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, as many of its common symptoms correspond to other diseases. The physician conducts a comprehensive patient history and physical exam to define the symptoms, and compare them to the diagnostic criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology. Several various lab tests may be ordered, as there is no current stand-alone assessment available to determine the condition. A Rheumatologist’s diagnostic expertise can often help discover the problem.
Treatment for fibromyalgia centers around the following:
- Prescribing medication useful for pain management
- Controlling stress with techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Promoting restorative sleep
- Incorporating healthy nutrition
- Initiating exercise-based activities such as Pilates, Yoga, and Tai Chi
- Offering massage, myofascial release, and chiropractic manipulation to ease muscle at soft tissue tension
If you have fibromyalgia and would like to discuss our treatment options, please contact us at either our New Braunfels or Seguin offices.
