Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition characterized by intensified pain sensations because of an anomaly in how the brain processes stimuli. For those with FM, pain management helps improve their quality of life by providing relief from symptoms and promoting restful sleep. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with this disorder or suspect you have it, you may have many questions about it. To help you better understand this puzzling condition, here are answers to a few of the common doubts people have about FM.

Common Questions on Fibromyalgia

What are the symptoms?

Between six and 12 million Americans have this condition, which doesn’t have known causes. Symptoms include musculoskeletal pain, trouble sleeping, constant exhaustion. People with this disorder frequently experience flare-ups that cause pain, memory trouble, and mood fluctuations.

While men can have fibromyalgia, women are more likely to experience it. Diagnoses usually happen in people from 35 to 45 years old, though they report symptoms to have started earlier in life.

Are there coexisting conditions?

Many individuals who have FM also experience additional health problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tension headaches, and mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. Since the muscular system is affected, they are also at an increased risk of temporomandibular joint issues that can cause jaw pain.

How is it treated? 

Treating fibromyalgia involves providing pain management to improve people’s quality of life. Doctors prescribe anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications, and painkillers to address the symptoms of FM. People often take these drugs to help them sleep and consume caffeine to provide energy in times of fatigue. 

Are there alternative pain management techniques?

Besides over-the-counter and prescription medications, many people turn to holistic treatment plans and alternative pain management techniques during flare-ups. For example, acupuncture can mitigate aches and relieve stress by reducing muscle tension and headaches. Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and minimize stiffness by boosting flexibility and building strength.

Chiropractors and physical therapists create personalized plans to address FM pain. This will target problem areas to provide relief for symptoms without the use of medications. Behavior modification therapy is also a popular option for handling the mental effects of the condition, providing methods for dealing with stress and negative moods. 

If you’re looking for drug-free treatments to provide pain management for fibromyalgia symptoms, visit Evergreen Pain Management & Rehabilitation Center in the Cleveland West Side and Lorain County, OH. The team offers physical therapy and chiropractic services to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. With a multidisciplinary approach, they’ll tackle your different needs to provide comprehensive relief. Visit their website for information on their services and techniques, or call (440) 240-9111 to schedule an appointment.