The Telltale Symptoms
One of the more common types of chronic pain is a medical condition known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The symptoms typically include:
- Widespread pain, most often at so-called “tender points,” near joints. The pain is more pronounced when the tender points are touched or pressed.
- Extreme sensitivity to touch of any kind
- Stiffness, more commonly upon awakening
- Difficulty sleeping
- Chronic fatigue
- Anxiety or depression
Fibromyalgia is far more common in women, affecting more than 3% of adult females. Less than 1% of adult males experience the condition.
There is no specific test or diagnostic indicator to determine the presence of fibromyalgia. Instead, medical professionals typically come to the diagnosis through a process of elimination. As a general rule, a treating physician will typically eliminate such common causes of chronic pain as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Though there’s no known definitive cause of fibromyalgia, some common conditions associated with FMS include traumatic injury, illness and surgery. There’s also evidence to suggest that FMS may occasionally have psychological underpinnings—a significant number of sufferers have been observed to manifest perfectionist personality traits. Many medical professionals also believe that genetics contributes to a predisposition to develop fibromyalgia syndrome.
There is currently no known “cure” for fibromyalgia syndrome. Instead, treatment options focus on the management of symptoms and the minimization of the impact of the condition on the lives of sufferers. Among the common approaches to treat FMS are
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Chronic pain rehabilitation regimens
- Trigger point injections
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Opioid medications
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
Today’s the day to do something about your pain! Call Advantage Healthcare Systems toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.
