Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition that causes pain throughout the muscles, tendons, and joints of the affected individual’s body. It also leads to fatigue and sleep issues. Fibromyalgia can even create areas on the body where the tiniest bit of pressure could cause extreme pain.
Around 90% of people suffering from fibromyalgia experience fatigue caused by abnormal sleeping patterns. Lack of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep results in chronic fatigue that aggravates symptoms.
AllCare Health & Pain specializes in pain management treatment for fibromyalgia patients. There are various options available that could manage the pain and side effects associated with your diagnosis. We understand how chronic pain can negatively impact someone’s life. It’s our goal to find a plan that works for you.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Although fatigue is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia, a wide range of other symptoms could occur, such as:
- Memory problems
- Inability to concentrate
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Abdominal pain associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Changes in mood
- Bladder issues, such as frequent urination
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Paresthesia (numbness and tingling in various body parts)
Currently, it’s not known why fibromyalgia pain develops; however, symptoms could result from emotional or physical trauma. Genetics and infection could also play a part in the development of pain. A process called central sensitization is a potential reason for symptoms, which causes those affected to have a lower pain threshold.
People with fibromyalgia have an elevated level of a nerve chemical called substance P and a decreased amount of serotonin. Those changes, along with repeated nerve stimulation, alters the way the brain processes pain signals. When that happens, the perception of pain becomes overactive.
Who Is Most at Risk for Fibromyalgia?
Different factors resulting in a higher likelihood of developing fibromyalgia include:
- Any person of any age could develop fibromyalgia, including children; however, it’s most common in those who are middle age and older
- People with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of fibromyalgia
- Women are twice as likely to develop the condition as men
- Traumatic events, such as a car accident
- An injury resulting from repetitive stress on a joint
- Illnesses like a viral infection
- Family history
- Obesity
Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibromyalgia
A physician can diagnose fibromyalgia by evaluating someone’s history, performing a physical exam, and taking x-rays and blood work.
It’s possible to treat and manage the symptoms with medication and at-home remedies. You should also seek care from a medical professional that specializes in fibromyalgia pain treatment. One or a combination of the strategies below could help alleviate your pain:
- Medications, such as prescriptions or over the counter pain relievers
- Muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point injection
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Pain psychology
We will develop a comprehensive treatment plan to ease your pain, fatigue, and stress.
Are There Complications Associated with Fibromyalgia?
Those who have fibromyalgia should take care of themselves and undergo consistent evaluations by their doctor. This condition could cause severe pain, disability, and lower your qualify of life. With frequent intervention and positive changes to your lifestyle, you could dramatically improve the symptoms you experience.
Complications you could suffer from as a result of your diagnosis include:
- Frequent hospitalizations. You’re twice as likely to require hospitalization as a person without fibromyalgia
- Diminished quality of life because of the pain and other symptoms
- Increased rate of major depression
- Higher death rate caused by suicide and physical injury
- Greater chance of developing different types of rheumatic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus.
Tips for Improving Your Quality of Life
There are small adjustments you can make to your daily routine that could help reduce your fibromyalgia pain.
- Physical activity: You should engage in moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes every week. You can walk, bike, or swim for a minimum of 30 minutes, five days a week. Setting aside time for exercise could also reduce your risk of developing other chronic diseases.
- Better nutrition: Strengthen your body and immune system with a healthy diet. Knowing which foods to avoid could significantly help reduce your pain. Simply replacing salty and processed foods with fruits and vegetables can dramatically affect how you feel and process fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Sleep: Anyone’s overall well-being relies on getting enough sleep every night. Your symptoms worsen when your duration and quality of sleep are lower.
- Identify pain triggers: Knowing the activities and situations that cause fibromyalgia flare-ups could help you manage your pain. Avoiding triggers can reduce the frequency of your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
- Avoid temperature changes: Many patients believe their pain occurs less frequently when in warm climates. Try to avoid cold weather and drastic changes in temperature.
Schedule Your Appointment with AllCare Health & Pain
Experiencing pain from fibromyalgia can be debilitating. Despite your best efforts, you can’t seem to manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. If that’s your experience, it’s time to call AllCare Health & Pain of Jersey City. We have helped numerous fibromyalgia patients find relief. We can help you, too. If you want to discuss your condition and treatment options, call 201-386-9800 today.
Call Us: 201-386-9800 
