Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects millions of people in the United States, causing widespread pain, fatigue, and foggy thinking. At Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin, board-certified anesthesiology and pain medicine physician Bradley Silva, MD, takes a patient-centered, whole-person approach to treating fibromyalgia. At the interventional pain management practice, the focus is on you, not your diagnosis. Call the office or schedule your fibromyalgia appointment online today for comprehensive, individualized care.

What is fibromyalgia exactly?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition. People with fibromyalgia have all-over body pain in the muscles and joints, along with specific areas of tenderness. It also causes fatigue, brain fog, and problems sleeping.

It’s not uncommon for people with fibromyalgia to experience other chronic health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, or headaches. 

Anyone can get fibromyalgia, but it’s more commonly diagnosed in women.

How did I get fibromyalgia?

Researchers are still investigating what causes fibromyalgia but theorize that the pain may occur because of changes in how the brain perceives pain. Fibromyalgia seems to cause an increase in pain sensitivity, as if the pain signal in the brain is always on and turned up to maximum amplification.

Other factors may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia, including the following:

Genetics

Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic connection. However, researchers have not isolated any specific fibromyalgia gene. 

Trauma

Physical or emotional trauma may trigger the start of fibromyalgia in people at risk. 

Infections

You may also develop fibromyalgia following an illness or infection.  

When should I see interventional pain management for fibromyalgia?

You should see the interventional pain management specialists at Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center if your fibromyalgia disrupts your life. The practice takes a patient-centered, whole-person approach to care, treating you, not your diagnosis.

Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and how it affects your daily life. They discuss your goals and expectations with treatment, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam. 

They may also run tests to rule out other conditions that might explain your pain. 

What can I do to manage my fibromyalgia?

Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center creates personalized treatment plans for fibromyalgia management. Your plan aims to minimize symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatment may include:

• Medication management
• Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle changes (eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise)
• Alternative therapies (yoga, acupuncture)
• Stress management

Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia, and it can take some time to find the right therapies to help you manage your pain. However, with help from Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center, you can get your life back.

Call Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center or schedule your fibromyalgia consultation using the online booking feature today.