Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be an incredibly debilitating condition that causes severe pain and fatigue that can prevent you from engaging in everyday activities. In fact, people with fibromyalgia tend to be more sensitive to pain in general. Yet, as debilitating as the condition sounds, a surprising number of people suffer from it. It’s estimated that over 40 million adults in the U.S. alone have fibromyalgia, accounting for roughly 2 percent of the adult population in the U.S. Although there isn’t a cure for fibromyalgia, there are effective ways that you can treat the condition to manage the pain and fatigue so that it does not affect your quality of life.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder. It’s characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and other symptoms. This condition can affect any part of the body but is commonly found in the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, arms, and legs.

The condition affects the central nervous system, causing the body difficulty processing pain signals accurately. In severe cases of the condition, the pain receptors in the brain become more sensitive, causing them to overreact to the slightest sensations.

Fibromyalgia Trigger Points 

Trigger points are areas of tight muscle that cause pain when pressed. They can be found in many areas of the body, including the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, arms, and legs. A person with fibromyalgia may experience pain in these areas even without pressure being applied. The pain associated with these points is often described as a sharp or burning sensation.

Fibromyalgia Trigger Points Diagram

Pain may start in one area and then spread to nearby regions, affecting them as well. If you look at the diagram of fibromyalgia trigger points, you’ll see how pain can radiate outward from certain areas. The diagram also illustrates how fibromyalgia pain can be felt in multiple regions of the body. This is known as “bilateral” or “polysymptomatic” pain, which means the pain is felt on both sides of the body.

Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Procedure

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is a process that should involve both the patient and the healthcare professional. It begins with a physical exam to rule out any other causes for the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Next, the doctor may take blood tests to check for inflammation, anemia, or other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. If the tests return normal, the patient may be referred to a rheumatologist or pain specialist for further evaluation.

A doctor must also consider the patient’s medical history and current symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis. This involves a patient being asked questions about their pain and tenderness, as well as a physical exam to look for certain tender points.

Differential Diagnosis Of Fibromyalgia

A differential diagnosis is essential in any medical condition, as it helps rule out other conditions that may be responsible for a patient’s symptoms. This involves taking into account the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and physical exam results. For example, in the case of fibromyalgia, a doctor may use a variety of tests and examinations to look for conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Lyme disease. The doctor may also look for psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. 

By ruling out other conditions, the doctor can confirm a fibromyalgia diagnosis and begin treatment. Differential diagnoses are important because if an incorrect diagnosis is made, it can lead to unnecessary treatments that may not be effective. Therefore, correctly diagnosing fibromyalgia is essential for successful treatment and improved quality of life.

Prognosis and Life Expectancy

The prognosis for fibromyalgia is generally positive as long as the condition is correctly diagnosed and treated. However, without treatment, the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia can diminish significantly depending on the severity of the symptoms. The most significant risk is the high rate of major depression that adults with fibromyalgia have (they are three times more likely to develop depression than adults without the condition).

Fortunately, most individuals can manage their symptoms with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes and continue living normal lives. In terms of life expectancy, individuals with fibromyalgia have the same life expectancy as people who don’t have the condition. However, it is essential to remember that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, and symptoms can flare up periodically. As such, lifestyle changes and preventative measures should be taken to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Regain A Pain-Free Life With Our Neuragenex Protocol

Neuragenex and our Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol is designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help individuals with fibromyalgia lead a more active life. Treatment includes specialized hydration therapy, electroanalgesia, and lifestyle counseling to target the underlying cause of chronic pain. By taking a whole-person, opioid-free, non-chiropractic, and non-invasive approach to treating fibromyalgia, we can help our patients regain a pain-free life without the need for potentially addictive medications or risky surgeries. With our evidence-based treatment protocol, we are confident that individuals with fibromyalgia are in the best hands with Neuragenex. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with fibromyalgia, we invite you to visit our clinic and learn more about how we can help. Our team of medical experts is here to guide you through a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today, and let’s get started on the road to a healthier and happier life.