Managing Fibromyalgia Pain

Managing Fibromyalgia Pain Fibromyalgia (also called fibromyalgia syndrome) is a long-term chronic condition that causes widespread pain in muscles, tendons, joints and other soft tissues.

Although this

painful condition affects both men and women, women account for about 80-90 percent of all cases. In most cases, it first develops between the ages of 25-55 years. There is no known cause for fibromyalgia pain, but symptoms most often develop after a physical or emotional trauma. Additionally, genetics and infection can trigger pain symptoms.

Symptoms The type and severity of symptoms of fibromyalgia may differ from one person to another.

Common symptoms include – 

Widespread pain

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Irritable bowel syndrome

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Itchy/burning skin

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Multiple points of tenderness

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Muscle stiffness

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Sleep disturbances

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Balance problems

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Cognitive difficulties

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Digestive disorders

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Fatigue

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Migraine and tension headache

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Memory problems

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Mood changes

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Bladder problems including frequent urination

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Fibromyalgia Treatment Diagnosing fibromyalgia can prove to be difficult as many of its symptoms are similar to those of other medical conditions. The condition is generally diagnosed using patient history, self-reported symptoms, a physical examination and proper manual tender point examination.

There is no established treatment for fibromyalgia, but a multidisciplinary approach using various therapies has been found to be successful. Multi-specialty healthcare centers provide such treatment programs. They help patients identify which combination of modalities has the greatest impact in managing the symptoms of their fibromyalgia pain and improving their quality of life.

A fibromyalgia pain management program may include the following therapies

Physical Therapy – This involves stretching, strengthening, and conditioning exercises to help patients to reduce pain and fatigue, strengthen the muscles, and enhance flexibility.

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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – TENS utilizes low electrical simulation that interacts with the sensory nervous system to decrease muscle stiffness and pain.

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Chiropractic Manipulation – Administered by trained chiropractors, this method uses spinal manipulation and realignment techniques so as to decrease pain symptoms, improve function and promote natural healing.

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Myofascial Release – This modality focuses on reducing the pain that originates from the myofascial tissues that surround and support the muscles throughout the body. The technique easing the tension and tightness in the trigger points where the pain originates.

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Trigger point injections – These injections involves the injection of medication directly into the trigger point.

Pain medications may also be prescribed. In addition to this, experts recommend that there are many coping strategies that a person can practice to minimize the impact that fibromyalgia has on their life. These include getting enough sleep, reducing stress through relaxation techniques, making changes in work patterns, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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