Fibromyalgia Treatment in Riverside, CA

Overview of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting problem that causes pain and tenderness all over the body. It also causes tiredness and trouble sleeping. Scientists do not fully understand what causes it. But people with it feel pain more easily.

Fibromyalgia has no cure. But doctors and other health care providers can help you manage the symptoms. Treatment often mixes three things: exercise or other kinds of movement, talk therapy that changes thoughts and habits, and medicines.

Who Gets Fibromyalgia?

Anyone can get fibromyalgia. But more women get it than men. It can affect people of any age, even children. It usually starts in middle age, and the chance of having it goes up as you get older. It happens in people of all races and backgrounds.

You may be more likely to have fibromyalgia if you have other diseases. This is even more likely with rheumatic diseases, mood problems or problems that cause pain. These include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus, usually called lupus.
• Ankylosing spondylitis.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Long-lasting back pain.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.

Fibromyalgia tends to run in families. Some scientists think certain genes could make you more likely to get it. But people with no family history of it can get it, too.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Pain that lasts a long time and is felt all over the body or in many areas. It is often felt in the arms, legs, head, chest, belly, back and buttocks. People often say it aches, burns or throbs.
• Feeling worn out (fatigue).
• Trouble sleeping.

Other symptoms may include:

• Stiff muscles and joints.
• Pain when someone touches you.
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
• Trouble focusing, thinking clearly and remembering. This is sometimes called “fibro fog.”
• Being more bothered by light, noise, smells and heat or cold.
• Stomach problems, such as bloating or trouble having a bowel movement.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

No one knows what causes fibromyalgia. But studies show that people with it feel pain more easily. They feel pain when others do not. Brain scans and other research show changes in the nerve paths that send and receive pain signals. These changes may also add to the tiredness, sleep problems and “fibro fog” that many people with fibromyalgia have.

Fibromyalgia tends to run in families. So genes likely play a part. But little is known for sure about which genes. Researchers think things outside the body also play a part. These triggers may include a disease that causes pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis. They may also include mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.

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Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia mostly from pain all over the body, along with other symptoms. Right now, no lab test or scan can show fibromyalgia. Its main symptoms, pain and tiredness, are like those of many other problems. So doctors usually try to rule out other causes first.

To diagnose fibromyalgia, your doctor may:

• Ask about your health history. Your doctor will likely ask where it hurts, how bad the pain is and how long you have had it. They will ask if you have felt worn out or had trouble thinking, such as confusion or memory problems. They may also ask about other health problems. Some people with fibromyalgia have other diseases at the same time.
• Give you a physical exam. Your doctor will check your joints to see if you might have another problem, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Your doctor may order lab tests or scans to help rule out other diseases.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia has no cure. So treatment focuses on easing the symptoms. Your plan will likely mix several kinds of care. These include talk therapy, medicines and things you do for yourself, such as exercise, yoga or tai chi.

Cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of talk therapy aims to change the way you think about pain. It can help, most of all when you use it with other treatments. You can do it one on one or in a group with a counselor. Other kinds of mental health counseling may also help.

Medicines. Many medicines can ease pain and help you sleep better. Your doctor may prescribe more than one kind at the same time.

• Antidepressants. Medicines for depression may also help fibromyalgia, even if you are not depressed. Doctors may prescribe one of several kinds.
• Anti-seizure medicines. These can ease pain and help you sleep. They work by blocking pain signals on the way to the brain.
• Pain relievers (analgesics). These may help people who need more pain relief. Anti-inflammatory pain medicines usually do not work for fibromyalgia, because it does not cause swelling in the tissues. But they may help with other painful problems a person with fibromyalgia may have.

You may need to try different mixes and doses of medicines before you find relief. Most people get better slowly.

Complementary therapies. Some people try therapies such as acupuncture, massage and hypnosis. But many of these have not been well tested in people with fibromyalgia.

Before you try these therapies, talk to your doctor about the best choices for you.

Who Treats Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia care often takes a team. But two kinds of providers treat it most:

• Primary care providers (PCPs), such as internists. They diagnose and treat adults. Most people with fibromyalgia get care from their PCP.
• Rheumatologists. They are experts in arthritis and other diseases of the bones, joints and muscles.

Other health care workers may also help with your care:

• Exercise physiologists. They are trained in how the body reacts to exercise.
• Mental health professionals. They help people cope with problems at home and at work that may come from their health. A counselor trained in cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you ways to control the pain better.
• Pain management specialists. They are trained to find and treat the causes of pain.
• Physical therapists. They help you live better through exercise, hands-on care and teaching.
• Sleep specialists. They treat sleep problems.

Living With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can make a big difference in your quality of life. It can make everyday tasks hard. But there are things you can do to help you live with it:

• Exercise.
• Learn about the disease and get support.
• Fight tiredness.

Exercising

Exercise is a key part of treatment for fibromyalgia. Pain and tiredness may make it hard to exercise. But it is important to be as active as you can. Research shows that regular exercise is one of the best ways to fight fibromyalgia. Even a little exercise helps. Aerobic exercise can also help you sleep better and feel less anxious and depressed.

Start slowly and do a little more over time. Gentle aerobic exercise helps most. Examples are walking, biking, swimming and exercises in water. Activities that use both the mind and body also help, such as yoga and tai chi. A physical therapist or exercise physiologist can plan an exercise program for you and keep helping you.

Check with your doctor before you start to exercise.

Educating Yourself and Getting Support

Learn as much as you can about fibromyalgia. Join a support group online or in person with other people who have it. A support network can help you get through hard times.

See a mental health professional if you have emotional problems. Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy can help. It teaches skills to better control the pain.

Combating Fatigue

Tiredness that does not go away is one of the hardest parts of fibromyalgia. These tips may help you sleep better and feel more rested:

• Make your bedroom a calm place to sleep, and set a bedtime routine.
• Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day.
• Use your bed only for sleep. Watching TV, reading or using a laptop or phone in bed can keep you awake.
• Keep your bedroom comfortable. Try to keep it dark, quiet and cool.
• Stay away from caffeine and nicotine, which can keep you awake. Drink less alcohol.
• Wind down before bed. Do not work or exercise close to bedtime. Try something calm that gets you ready for sleep. You might listen to soft music, meditate or take a warm bath.
• Pace yourself during the day. You may not be able to do everything you once did, or as fast. Try not to use up all your energy each day. Doing too much can make your symptoms worse.

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