Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a widespread and chronic pain throughout the musculoskeletal system and soft tissue. It is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points.

Not a lot is known about the cause of this disorder. It can be difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia because there are no direct tests and it can mimic other diseases. In the past, many healthcare providers actually questioned whether it was a real disorder or not. With more modern research, much of the stigma it used to have is gone.

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, it can be treated through medication, physical activity, and lifestyle changes. By helping you manage your systems, you can raise your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Previously, the focus of a fibromyalgia diagnosis was pain duration. Today, the diagnostic protocol is the severity of pain in more than 4 locations. Common trigger points include the back of the head, top of the shoulders, upper chest, hips, knees, and elbows.

Symptoms sometimes begin after trauma, surgery, or extreme stress. Or symptoms may gradually come on overtime with no triggering event.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Fibromyalgia may also exist alongside other painful conditions. This may include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines or headaches, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), and/or TMJ pain.

Ankylosing spondylitis has similar symptoms but is a different condition. While ankylosing spondylitis involves significant inflammation, fibromyalgia does not present with inflammation.

What are the risk factors of fibromyalgia?

According to the CDC, approximately 4 million American adults have fibromyalgia. It mostly affects middle-age women, but it runs in families so men and children can develop fibromyalgia too.

Other risk factors include:

BackFit’s treatment of fibromyalgia

At BackFit Health + Spine, we focus on more natural solutions to reduce pain and lower stress. Your treatment plan may include:

Pain and fatigue can severely impact your ability to function at work and home. We understand your frustration with this often misunderstood disorder.