Fibromyalgia is a condition thought to be caused by an increase in the way the brain processes pain sensation throughout the body’s musculoskeletal system. The result is a chronic sensation of pain that is often debilitating and life-changing. Women tend to be affected by fibromyalgia more than men but the reason for that is unclear. In some people, fibromyalgia appears after a trauma, a surgical procedure, an infection, or a stressful event. There also may be some correlation to it running in families.<\/p>\n
Scientists believe that there may be an overstimulation of the pain receptors that causes the symptoms.\u00a0 Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
\n\u2022\u00a0Pain all over the body
\n\u2022\u00a0Fatigue
\n\u2022\u00a0Difficulty focusing
\n\u2022\u00a0Migraine headaches
\n\u2022\u00a0Anxiety
\n\u2022\u00a0Depression<\/p>\n
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed through a physical exam and blood tests that examine thyroid function, red and white blood cell count, rheumatoid arthritis factor, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. If a person has pain for three months and no obvious medical reason for it, it might be reason to rule out fibromyalgia.<\/p>\n
There is no one method of treating fibromyalgia that is completely effective.
\n\u2022\u00a0Treatment options include:
\n\u2022\u00a0Physical therapy
\n\u2022\u00a0Pain relievers
\n\u2022\u00a0Anti-depressants
\n\u2022\u00a0Getting adequate rest
\n\u2022\u00a0Acupuncture
\n\u2022\u00a0Regular exercise<\/p>\n
If you have symptoms of fibromyalgia and would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fibromyalgia is a condition thought to be caused by an increase in the way the brain processes pain sensation throughout the body’s musculoskeletal system. The result is a chronic sensation of pain that is often debilitating and life-changing. Women tend … Continue reading