According to the CDC, fibromyalgia affects around four million adults in the US. Although it can affect people regardless of age and sex, it is more common in middle-aged women. The symptoms vary from person to person, but most people experience constant dull pain all over the body. Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, there are many ways to deal with this painful condition. Read on to learn more about fibromyalgia, how to treat it, and how to find a fibromyalgia doctor in Huntsville, Texas.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological condition that affects your muscles and other soft tissues. This condition displays a wide array of symptoms, which is why it can be difficult to diagnose it. For example, one person may experience pain and stiffness, while another has sleep problems, chronic fatigue, impaired focus, and concentration problems. And they both have fibromyalgia.
To make things even harder, we don’t know exactly what causes this condition. Scientists believe that fibromyalgia affects how your brain processes nerve impulses. That causes your central nervous system to misinterpret non-painful for painful signals, sentencing you to a life of chronic pain.
We know that genetics and stress can increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia. In addition, women, middle-aged adults, and people with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, and lupus are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological condition that causes widespread muscle pain, joint pain, and other symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Inability to focus
- Memory problems
- Brain fog
- Muscle stiffness
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive problems
- Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
The symptoms may vary from person to person, which makes it harder to diagnose fibromyalgia accurately. However, an experienced medical professional can do it after a thorough examination.
People with fibromyalgia often experience a constant dull ache all over their bodies. They may also experience various other symptoms.
How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, with specific lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy, you can manage the symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life.
Medications
People usually use medication to manage pain and improve their sleep. Doctors typically recommend over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen.
Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants to help manage the symptoms and ease chronic fatigue and pain. In addition, some people get muscle relaxants or anti-seizure drugs that can effectively reduce certain types of fibromyalgia pain.
Different types of medication can be prescribed to manage pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
Therapies
The goal of therapy is to reduce the impact fibromyalgia has on your life. For example, physical therapy helps strengthen muscles and increase flexibility and endurance. That can help relieve pain and other symptoms and significantly improve your life.
Some people also go through occupational therapy that helps them adjust their everyday life and work. That way, they learn the best ways to perform tasks without putting too much stress on their body and mind.
Lastly, some people with fibromyalgia go to cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. This can help them learn valuable stress-managing tools and coping mechanisms, and improve their mental health. After all, stress can trigger fibromyalgia episodes, which is why it is vital to learn how to deal with it.
Various forms of therapy can help people with fibromyalgia improve their mental and physical health to reduce pain and other symptoms.
Lifestyle Adjustments
As a part of your overall fibromyalgia treatment plan, your doctor will recommend some lifestyle changes. That includes eating healthier, limiting caffeine intake, quitting smoking, staying active, exercising regularly, avoiding stressful situations, and practicing good sleeping hygiene. Making even small improvements in these areas can significantly improve your quality of life.
Although you cannot cure fibromyalgia, a good treatment plan can successfully reduce the symptoms and help you live the life you want.
Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia
Chiropractic care can help restore the proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system and reduce pain caused by fibromyalgia. Chiropractors use adjustments and stretches to minimize pain, reduce pressure, and improve flexibility. This can help reduce symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
If you are looking for a fibromyalgia doctor in Huntsville, Texas, Dr. Jeffrey Pruski is here for you. You can visit Dr. Pruski at the Joint & Spine Center, where he uses various chiropractic care modalities to help his patient.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Pruski and discover how chiropractic care can help you manage pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
