Fibromyalgia
What is causes Fibromyalgia
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Mood disruption
- Cognitive difficulties
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
There’s no single test to confirm fibromyalgia, so your doctor has to rule out other causes of pain to make a diagnosis. They start with a physical exam and a medical history to gauge your overall health status. The first criterion for a fibromyalgia diagnosis is that you’ve experienced widespread pain (in the upper body, lower body, right side, and left side) for three months or more. Next, your doctor may take blood work to rule out other conditions such as arthritis and thyroid issues.
Blood work may include:
- Complete blood count: screens for a wide range of conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and infection
- Thyroid function: tests for an underactive or overactive thyroid
- Rheumatoid factor: detects proteins that could indicate autoimmune disorders
- Cyclic citrullinated peptide test: looks for antibodies that could indicate rheumatoid arthritis
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: screens for inflammation
What treatments are available for fibromyalgia?
Because fibromyalgia is incurable, treatment often involves managing symptoms. Typically, you can manage symptoms through medication, therapy, and certain medical procedures.
- Medication: Pain relievers, antidepressants, and antiseizure medications may help manage the pain and side effects of fibromyalgia.
- Therapy: Physical and occupational therapies can help improve your strength and range of motion and decrease stress on your body. With adjustments to your workspace and home, many tasks are easier to perform.
- Procedures: Your pain management specialist can help identify the best course of action for your particular situation.
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or suspect you have it, make an appointment at Washington Center for Pain Management by calling the office or requesting an appointment online to get the relief you body need.
