top of page
Hospital Hall

FIBROMYALGIA

  • Patients with fibromyalgia may experience the following symptoms:

    • Widespread pain that occurs on both sides of the body, above and below the waist

    • Fatigue, even after sleeping for long periods of time

    • Disrupted sleep

    • Restless leg syndrome

    • Sleep apnea

    • Mental fog causes difficulty concentrating

    ​

    Fibromyalgia may coexist with other disorders, including

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Irritable bowel syndrome

    • Chronic fatigue syndrome

    • Migraine and other forms of headache

    • Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome

    • Temporomandibular joint disorders

    • Postural tachycardia syndrome

  • The condition typically emerges after an event, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection, or serious psychological stress. Other patients may gradually develop the condition without an identifiable triggering event.

    ​

    Repeated nerve stimulation may cause the brain and spinal cord to change, leading to an abnormal increase in certain chemicals that signal pain and lead to fibromyalgia.

    ​

     In addition, the brain’s pain receptors develop memory of the pain and become increasingly sensitive, leading to overreaction to painful and non-painful signals.

    Factors that increase the likelihood of these changes include:

    • Genetics. Certain genetic mutations increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia.

    • Infection and other disorders. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus are risk factors.

    • Physical or emotional events. Prolonged psychological stress or a car accident can trigger the condition.

    • Sex. Women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia more often than men.

    • Family history. Having parents or siblings with the condition increases the risk of developing fibromyalgia.

  • Staff at Premier Urgent Care offer treatment designed to provide lasting pain relief for patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

    ​

    Effective treatments for fibromyalgia include injections and pain management techniques.
     

    Joint and soft tissue injections offered at the clinic include nerve blocks, epidural injections, piriformis injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and trigger point injections. Patients should speak to their physician to find out if they are a good candidate for joint and soft tissue injections.
     

    Pain management techniques can also help patients minimize fibromyalgia pain through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

  • Some patients may require advanced treatment, such as chiropractic adjustment or physical therapy. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments for their fibromyalgia and staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Though there is no cure for the condition, various treatments can help patients manage their symptoms.

bottom of page