Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by a widespread sensation of pain and fatigue in your muscles, ligaments, tendons and tender points on your body. Past names of fibromyalgia are fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism, and tension myalgias.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary depending on stress, or mental state, weather, amount of physical activity, and time of day. The most common signs of fibromyalgia are a combination of the following:

• Widespread pain
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Headaches and facial pain
• Heightened sensitivity
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Numbness of the hands or feet (paresthesia)
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Chest pains

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Currently doctors do not know the specific causes of fibromyalgia. “Central sensitization” is a theory which states that an increase in the excitability of neurons within the central nervous system results in otherwise normal inputs producing an abnormal response. People with fibromyalgia are believed to have this condition. Research shows that consistent nerve activity causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change, involving an abnormal increase of chemicals which indicate pain. The brain’s pain receptors of those who suffer from this condition also seem to have an imprint of serious injuries or discomforts so that when a smaller pain is experienced the receptor will react as though experience the more traumatic pain again. People with fibromyalgia have been found to have excess Substance P (a protein associated with pain) in their body fluids.

General causes attributed to fibromyalgia are:

• Injury
• Irregular sleep patterns and sleep disturbances
• Infection
• An abnormal Sympathetic Nervous System
• Changes in Muscle Metabolism

Who Is More Likely To Get Fibromyalgia?

Statistically, women in early to mid adulthood are more likely to have fibromyalgia. Other conditions such as sleeping disorder, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, and rheumatoid disease, along with family history are all considered attributing factors when being diagnosed.

What Treatments Are Available For Fibromyalgia?

Pain relievers – analgesics such as tramadol, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help alleviate some pain of fibromyalgia

Antidepressants – certain antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline can help patients by promoting sleep (many fibromyalgia patients have sleep difficulties). A newer class of antidepressants, the dual reuptake inhibitors, works on both norepinephrine and serotonin. Cymbalta (duloxetine), a member of this class of drugs, has been promoted as helping depression and pain.

Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril and Skelaxin can help moderate the symptoms.

Lyrica (pregabalin) and Neurontin (gabapentin) have been shown effective in reducing symptoms of neuropathic pain.

How Long Will Treatments Take?

Because fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome, long-term treatment may be required; however, some cases resolve quickly and spontaneously.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

See above.

When Will I See Results?

You should start seeing results after medication to treat pain and muscle spasms are administered.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You can generally return to work right away, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

One of our board-certified pain management specialists will prescribe treatment.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Fibromyalgia Treatment?

Insurance should cover standard treatments for this condition.