What you should know about Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a unique cause of chronic pain because it often does not show the inflammatory patterns of conditions like arthritis, and it has no single test to achieve a diagnosis. Typically, a long list of other conditions must be ruled out before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is assumed. Common misdiagnosis for fibromyalgia include lyme disease, anxiety, depression, inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are unpredictable and most patients are frustrated by their physical limitations.
- Sensitive to pressure
- Disturbed sleep
- Pain varies with weather
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle stiffness
- Migrating back pain
- Brain fog & forgetfulness
- Headaches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irregular bowel function
- Weight gain
- Low libido
Some report that the muscles feel like they have been pulled or overworked, and the skin may feel badly sunburned. Few therapies have been found to help.
A number of people who suffer from fibromyalgia may also have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). These are sister conditions and they share several symptoms, which can make the diagnosis more confusing. The key symptom of CFS is excessive fatigue, that if not relieved, even with rest, while the key symptom of fibromyalgia is extensive pain and stiffness to debilitating degrees.
Delaware Integrative Medical Center specializes in an integrative approach to the treatment of Fibromyalgia.
Therapies for Fibromyalgia
Often fibromyalgia is misdiagnosed and someone may truly have lyme diesase or another infectious disease. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, or think you might be living with fibromyalgia, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. We can complete comprehensive testing and treat you appropriately.