Pain can be an everyday battle for many people and is often a side effect of health complications, such as fibromyalgia. It’s important to understand this disorder and ways that you can manage the associated chronic pain. Below is a helpful guide to ensure you receive the help you need.

A Patient’s Guide to Fibromyalgia

Causes & Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a health condition defined by whole-body pain, fatigue, and a greater sensitivity to pain. While there is no known reason for its development, medical professionals believe it may be caused by genetic mutations or can be triggered by physical injuries, illness, surgery, and psychological stress. It is believed that fibromyalgia affects the brain’s response to pain signals, resulting in greater discomfort and pain sensitivity.

The most common symptom is widespread and unexplained pain that occurs on throughout the whole body. Dealing with chronic pain often leaves people feeling fatigued, especially because it disrupts sleep. That sleep deprivation will also contribute to cognitive limitations. Those with fibromyalgia may have trouble focusing, with their memory, or with decision-making because the pain is so distracting.

Treatment Options

Treating fibromyalgia requires lifestyle changes. A doctor will recommend using prescription and over-the-counter pain medications to manage flare-ups. Treatment also requires an established exercise routine to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. A physician will recommend working with physical therapy and mental health professionals to reduce stress. Patients will also need to establish a healthy sleep schedule to reduce cognitive impairments.

Patients undergoing treatment plans have reported improvement in their mental health and a greater quality of life. They also have fewer hospitalizations related to pain and injuries. Those living with lupus, arthritis, and other conditions that can accompany fibromyalgia may better manage those disorders through healthy lifestyle changes, also.

If you’re living with chronic pain, the team at Evergreen Pain Management & Rehabilitation Center in Sheffield, OH, can help. They build custom physical therapy plans for their patients based on onsite diagnostics. Explore massage, acupuncture, dry needling, manual spine manipulation, and other physical rehabilitation programs on their website. Call (440) 240-9111 to discuss your needs with a friendly staff member. Connect on Facebook to receive more lifestyle advice.