Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term or chronic syndrome associated with a widespread pain in muscles, soft tissues and bones. It can be accompanied by fatigue, interrupted sleep, memory loss and mood swings. Symptoms of fibromyalgia are considered subjective. This means there is no test to determine the cause and is often misdiagnosed for another condition. This exact cause of fibromyalgia is not certain, but factors that may contribute to it include infections, trauma, stress and genetics.
Fibromyalgia is associated with pain and tenderness in muscles, soft tissues and bones. Often these areas of pain or tenderness are called trigger points. A trigger point is a discreet knot or tight, ropy band of muscle that forms when muscle fails to relax. The knot often can be felt under the skin and may twitch involuntarily when touched (called a jump sign). The trigger point can trap or irritate surrounding nerves and cause referred pain — pain felt in another part of the body (e.g., pain from a heart attack that is felt in the jaw or arm). Scar tissue, loss of range of motion, and weakness may form over time.
Patients with fibromyalgia may experience:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping but not feeling rested
- Headaches
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Painful menstruation
- Pins and needles
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Trouble focusing
- Pain or dull aching in the lower abdomen
We have various treatments for fibromyalgia including:
