Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the muscles and soft tissue. Pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia, but people feel the pain in different ways.

Some fibromyalgia sufferers feel pain all over, while others feel pain in specific areas such as the back, neck or shoulder. Some feel deep pain, while others feel radiating or shooting pain. Others experience symptoms throughout the day, while some sufferers feel their symptoms more acutely in the morning and less throughout the day.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

In addition to pain, some people with fibromyalgia experience:

• Sleep disruptions
• Chronic fatigue
• Problems with memory and thinking clearly
• Problems with depression and/or anxiety
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Restless leg syndrome
• Migraines

How can you treat fibromyalgia?

While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, the symptoms can be relieved through medications, acupuncture, lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise), stress management, and hormones.

According to studies conducted at the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture provides relief from moderate to severe fibromyalgia, and the National Fibromyalgia Association also supports acupuncture as an effective treatment for many patients. Moreover, acupuncture has no serious side effects, whereas many prescription medications do have numerous side effects.

Because Evia Medical Center uses an integrative medical approach, patients suffering from fibromyalgia can work with their primary care physician, as well as a team of acupuncturists and others to find a holistic plan that helps relieve symptoms.

What else can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms?

In addition to prescription medication and acupuncture, Evia Medical Center has found success with hormone treatment. Recent studies have shown that hormone fluctuations and deficiencies have a direct link to the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms. After a thorough hormone evaluation, your doctor may consider hormone therapy for symptom relief.

Nutrition can also play an important role. People with fibromyalgia should:

• Limit sugar intake
• Avoid caffeine and pasteurized dairy products
• Eat fresh foods and vegetables
• Reduce the amount of fat and carbs in their diet

Exercise, including yoga, is also an important aspect of symptom management. It can ease the pain, reduce stiffness and fatigue, and improve joint flexibility and range-of-motion.

Evia Medical Center’s team of professionals in Smithtown, New York, work together to find the most effective treatment plan for patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Call today to start a comprehensive treatment plan today.