Some 4 million adults in the United States live with fibromyalgia, a chronic and painful condition also known as “fibro.” While there’s no known cure, a solid treatment plan can help minimize your symptoms so you can better thrive.
Our expert team at Houston Pain Specialists, led by board-certified pain management specialist Hui Kang, MD, can determine if you have fibromyalgia and support you in managing your symptoms.
Here’s a closer look at fibromyalgia, including common signs that it’s at play.
People of all ages and genders can develop fibromyalgia, but it’s more common in women and typically starts during middle age. Having another chronic condition, such as a mood disorder, arthritis, or irritable bowel syndrome, also raises your risk for fibro symptoms.
You might also be genetically predisposed to developing fibromyalgia, given that it often runs in families. That said, fibromyalgia can also occur if you don’t have a family history of the illness.
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia isn’t known, it’s believed to cause a heightened sensitivity to pain. Fibro has also been linked with bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, which may affect your digestive health and cognitive function.
And the physical symptoms can negatively affect your rest capabilities and emotional well-being.
Given all of that, common fibromyalgia signs include:
Fibro affects people differently, from symptom type and frequency to its severity. Symptoms tend to ebb and flow, flaring up at particular times and easing during other times.
Many fibromyalgia symptoms are associated with other illnesses and diseases, so getting a proper diagnosis is important. Once you’ve received the diagnosis, our team recommends a management plan, which may include:
Our team can also support your well-being by addressing underlying pain that commonly coexists with fibromyalgia, such as radiculopathy and facet-mediated pain. We may do so with an epidural or facet/medial branch nerve block injections, respectively. For arthritic joint pain, joint injections will help, and trigger point injections for muscular pain.
In addition, you may benefit from stress management, improved sleep habits, and an overall healthy diet. Routine physical activity is especially important for minimizing fibromyalgia pain and related depression. Exercise can also improve your overall quality of life.
To learn more about fibromyalgia or get the diagnosis or support you need, contact our Houston, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment.
