Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Chronic pain in the muscles, constant fatigue, a feeling of exhaustion after usual activities, sleep disorders and difficulties with concentration of attention may accompany different diseases. One of the possible causes of such symptoms is fibromyalgia. Timely consultation with a doctor and correctly selected therapy help reduce the severity of symptoms, improve well-being and return to an active lifestyle.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical», patients can undergo the necessary examination, receive a consultation with a rheumatologist and a neurologist, as well as an individual treatment plan. Make an appointment for a doctor’s consultation at a convenient time for you by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.

Fibromyalgia — is a chronic disease associated with impaired processing of pain signals by the central nervous system. Because of this, a person may feel widespread pain in different areas of the body in the absence of inflammatory or structural tissue damage. 

According to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), fibromyalgia syndrome does not cause inflammatory or structural damage to joints, muscles or internal organs. At the same time, the disease can significantly affect well-being, work capacity and quality of life, therefore it requires timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

The exact causes of the development of fibromyalgia have still not been established. It is believed that the disease occurs as a result of a combination of several factors that affect the work of the central nervous system and change the perception of pain signals.

Possible causes and risk factors include:

• hereditary predisposition;

• prolonged or severe stress;

• previous infectious diseases;

• injuries or surgical interventions;

• sleep disorders that persist for a long time.

According to Mayo Clinic, in some patients symptoms may appear after physical trauma, a previous infection or significant psycho-emotional stress. At the same time, in many people fibromyalgia develops gradually without an obvious triggering factor.

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia begins with a consultation with a rheumatologist or neurologist. During the appointment, the doctor assesses the nature of the pain, the duration of symptoms, the general condition of the patient and finds out whether there are signs of other diseases with similar manifestations.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following may be prescribed:

• general and biochemical blood tests;

• tests to assess the function of the thyroid gland;

• ultrasound of the thyroid gland (according to indications);

• immunological and other laboratory studies — to exclude rheumatic, endocrine and other diseases;

• additional instrumental examinations (according to indications).

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome is established after a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, anamnesis and examination results. This makes it possible to determine the cause of the patient’s complaints and choose the optimal treatment tactics.

The tactics of treating fibromyalgia depend on the prevailing symptoms, their severity and impact on the patient’s quality of life. Depending on the clinical picture, treatment may be carried out by a rheumatologist, a neurologist or both specialists jointly.

Treatment may include:

• medications — to reduce pain, normalize sleep and correct other symptoms;

• therapeutic physical exercises — to improve mobility, physical endurance and maintain physical activity;

• reflexotherapy — as one of the additional methods of comprehensive treatment to reduce pain;

• lifestyle correction — normalization of the sleep regimen, dosed physical activity and control of the stress level.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not engaging in self-medication, since the effectiveness of therapy largely depends on a correctly selected combination of different treatment methods. A comprehensive approach helps reduce the severity of symptoms, improve well-being and maintain everyday activity.

The course of fibromyalgia usually has a wave-like character: periods of relative improvement in well-being may be replaced by exacerbations, when symptoms become more pronounced. During an exacerbation, pain may intensify, and fatigue, sleep disorders and other manifestations — significantly affect activity and work capacity.

Exacerbations may be provoked by:

• severe or prolonged stress;

• physical or emotional overload;

• disturbance of the sleep regimen;

• acute infectious diseases;

• hypothermia.

If the symptoms have intensified, one should not independently change the treatment regimen or increase the dosage of medications. During an exacerbation, one should consult a doctor, who will assess the condition, determine the possible cause of deterioration in well-being and, if necessary, adjust the treatment.

The cost of treating fibromyalgia depends on the severity of symptoms, the necessary scope of examinations and the recommended methods of therapy. For each patient, the treatment plan is prepared individually.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices for doctors’ consultations here. During the appointment, the doctor will determine the necessary scope of diagnostics, prepare an individual treatment plan and orient you regarding the cost of medical services. To make an appointment for a consultation with a rheumatologist or neurologist, contact the contact center of «Oxford Medical» or use the online appointment form on the website.

The information is of an introductory nature and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

• European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology

• US National Library of Medicine