Fibromyalgia Specialist

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a potentially serious disorder that causes intense fatigue, widespread musculoskeletal pain, and sleep disturbances. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes fibromyalgia, but it’s thought the condition amplifies pain by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process discomfort.

Often, the condition is associated with underlying medical issues such as tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, or depression. There’s no cure for fibromyalgia, but a combination of prescription medications and healthy lifestyle changes can significantly improve your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Widespread, chronic pain
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Memory loss
• Irritability

As the condition gets worse, it might also prevent you from going to work or doing other routine tasks, like running errands or spending time with family and friends.

Who is at risk of fibromyalgia?

Anyone can experience fibromyalgia, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being a woman
• Having a family history of fibromyalgia
• Having an underlying medical condition, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Having a behavioral disorder, like anxiety or depression

If you regularly experience muscle or joint pain and chronic fatigue, don’t wait to make an appointment at Fort Wayne Endocrinology.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you must experience widespread pain throughout your body for at least three months. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must experience pain in four of five areas:

• Left upper region (shoulder, arm, or jaw)
• Right upper region (shoulder, arm, or jaw)
• Left lower region (hip, buttock, or leg)
• Right lower region (hip, buttock, or leg)
• Axial region (neck, back, chest abdomen)

If your provider suspects your symptoms are due to another condition that isn’t fibromyalgia, they might also order additional tests, such as a complete blood count, a rheumatoid factor test, or a vitamin D test. 

How is fibromyalgia treated?

There’s no cure for fibromyalgia, but it’s possible to relieve uncomfortable symptoms through a combination of pain medication, healthy lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. Some of the most common drugs used to manage fibromyalgia include pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs.

It’s also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise regularly, and practice stress management activities like yoga or meditation.

To receive treatment for fibromyalgia, request a consultation at Fort Wayne Endocrinology. Call the office or use the online booking feature to make an appointment today.