Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia isn’t well understood, there may be dysfunction in the way your brain and spinal cord are able to process pain signals.

In general, fibromyalgia symptoms develop after trauma to the body. This trauma may be physical, such as after a surgery or because of an infection. Psychological stress can also trigger fibromyalgia.

While men can experience fibromyalgia pain, the condition is more common in women. You may also be at increased risk for developing fibromyalgia if you’re obese, have a family history of the condition, or if you experience repetitive stress injuries from manual labor or sports participation.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

A hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread muscle pain that lasts three months or longer and affects both sides of your body.

Because of the chronic pain, you may experience sleep disruptions and insomnia. This lack of sleep can cause persistent fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Many with fibromyalgia also have cognitive difficulties that make it difficult to focus or concentrate on everyday tasks.

Fibromyalgia may also co-exist with other chronic health conditions like:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Painful bladder syndrome

When you can no longer treat your symptoms at home, Dr. Wynn can design a pain management plan to restore your quality of life.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Your treatment depends on the severity of your pain, your medical history, and your existing health. While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, Dr. Wynn works closely with you on a plan to minimize your pain while maximizing your overall function.

Dr. Wynn may initially recommend medications to reduce inflammation and control your pain. If these treatments aren’t enough, he may suggest physical therapy or acupuncture.

You can also benefit from making lifestyle changes to reduce stress. You should establish a reasonable bedtime routine to help improve your sleep habits and address chronic fatigue. Daily exercise also helps strengthen your muscles, so you can stay physically active.

If you need help managing your fibromyalgia pain, call Wynn Over Pain or book an appointment online to discuss your options for treatment.