If you’ve been living with widespread pain for at least three months, and you can’t pinpoint a cause, there’s a chance that you could have fibromyalgia. Fortunately, the experts at Swift Orthopedics provide first-class fibromyalgia treatment to the residents of Reno, Nevada, Carson City, and surrounding areas.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes chronic, widespread pain throughout the musculoskeletal system. People typically describe fibromyalgia pain as a continuous ache — whether dull, sharp, or throbbing — across their entire body. Although the cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown, it’s believed that certain events can trigger the onset of symptoms, including:
- Infection
- Physical trauma
- Stress
- Surgery
In many cases, however, symptoms gradually develop over time. Women tend to be more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men, and genetics can also play a role in the development of the condition.
What are some additional symptoms of fibromyalgia?
In addition to widespread pain, fibromyalgia can lead to several other unpleasant symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating (known as “fibro fog”)
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
- Migraines
- Moodiness
- Numbness
- Stiffness
- Tension headaches
- Tingling
Some of these symptoms are caused by the widespread pain associated with fibromyalgia. Fatigue, for example, often occurs because fibromyalgia pain makes it so difficult to sleep. Many people with fibromyalgia are also living with conditions such as interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), painful bladder syndrome, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
How is fibromyalgia treated?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia. However, people are often able to manage their symptoms using a variety of conservative treatments, including:
- Anti-seizure medication
- Antidepressants
- Exercise
- Occupational therapy
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Relaxation techniques
