Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects 8% of the American population — that’s about 10 million people struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep issues.
If you’re living with fibromyalgia and are wondering whether you can reverse it, then read on. That’s just the question Bradley A. Silva, MD, and the Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center team answer below.
Fibromyalgia affects how your brain processes pain signals and often amplifies sensations. Widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties characterize the condition.
Fibromyalgia doesn’t cause damage (like how arthritic damage can show up on X-rays), but it does affect muscles, joints, and soft tissues in your arms, back, legs, head, chest, and buttocks.
In addition to pain, you might experience:
There isn’t a blood test or X-ray to confirm that you have fibromyalgia. Instead, Dr. Silva diagnoses fibromyalgia through a review of your symptoms, a physical exam, and a medical history. While blood tests can’t show that you have fibromyalgia, they can rule out other conditions.
While its exact cause remains unclear, factors like genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma can play a role in triggering your symptoms.
While there isn’t currently a cure, managing fibromyalgia symptoms is possible — and that’s something that our team at Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center specializes in.
You can manage its symptoms effectively by combining medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and holistic therapies. Many people find relief and improved function through consistent management strategies.
Bradley A. Silva, MD, double board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine, can help you manage your fibromyalgia so you can shift from surviving to thriving.
Dr. Silva may recommend:
Dr. Silva may recommend pain relievers, antidepressants, or muscle relaxants to help reduce pain and improve sleep.
While you might think exercise is harmful if you have a chronic pain condition, the reality is physical movement is good for you. Regular, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can strengthen muscles and reduce pain.
Exercise — especially outside in the sunlight — can also elevate your mood. Exercise and time spent in nature can help alleviate some of the low feelings associated with fibromyalgia.
Stress can trigger fibromyalgia flare-ups, and unfortunately, the reverse is also true. Living with a chronic condition like fibromyalgia can add to your stress levels, so stress management should be part of your overall fibromyalgia management plan.
Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or talk therapy can help you cope with the emotional challenges fibromyalgia brings.
Studies also show magnesium supplementation can help reduce stress levels and improve pain scores.
If you struggle to get a good night's sleep, try revamping your bedtime routine. Ideally:
You can also use sleep apps to track your sleep, listen to meditations and sleep stories, or play relaxing music.
Alternative therapies like yoga and acupuncture can also help reduce your stress and help manage your pain. According to a case study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, regular yoga can help reduce muscle fatigue and improve sleep quality.
Dr. Silva can recommend alternative therapies best suited to your needs.
Managing fibromyalgia isn’t something you have to do alone. Dr. Silva and the Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin, can help you take control of your life. Call 262-484-4035 or click here to schedule an appointment.