Do your muscles feel tired, achy, or painful? Are you getting muscle spasms quite frequently?

These are just two of the many symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), which is also referred to as widespread muscle pain.

To learn more about fibromyalgia, we invite you to keep reading.

What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

Widespread muscle pain is quite common nowadays, but it is a complex condition. This chronic pain affects a patient’s bones and muscles, and results in an array of other symptoms.

FACT: Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men.

Some researchers conclude that fibromyalgia increases the body’s pain sensations by affecting the brain’s way of processing pain signals. For those suffering from fibromyalgia, the brain’s pain receptors tend to remember the pain signals, which eventually causes an overreaction to pain signals down the road.

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Symptoms vary from patient to patient. Common symptoms include:

If you suspect any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, please see a doctor right away.

What Causes Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

Doctors actually do not know the exact causes of fibromyalgia. Most likely it is caused by a combination of factors, such as genetics, infections, and/or physical/emotional trauma (i.e. post traumatic stress disorder—PTSD).

Treatment and Care Options

Some treatment options exist for this chronic disease, thanks to advancements made within the past few years.

A team approach, like you’ll get here at The Pain Management Center, is the best choice. Having a team of doctors and specialists (i.e. rheumatologist) on your side will help to manage your Clinicsal symptoms, as well as to help you manage any personal or professional obstacles you experience because of fibromyalgia.

Here are a few treatment and care options for fibromyalgia:

• massage therapy
• yoga
• tai chi
• medicines such as Lyrica®, gabapentin, and neurontin

Managing and Living With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Caring for yourself at home is critical to properly managing fibromyalgia.

Here are some tips and strategies for self care: 

• Practice and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating healthy, limiting caffeine, and doing what you love.
• Do not overdo it. Pace yourself when it comes to your daily activities. Learn what your body is telling you. If you need a break, take one. Listen to your symptoms.
• Maintain a sufficient exercise regiment. This may involve figuring out which types of exercise are best for your condition. Once you have that figured out, stick with it.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep. This will help to combat fatigue you may be experiencing right now. Nap if you need to.
• Reduce your stress levels. Take it easy. Learn stress techniques that work for you (i.e. yoga, deep breathing exercises).
• Join a fibromyalgia support group. Talk to people who have the same condition as you do. You can share your experiences with the condition and they can share theirs with you, too.
• Educate yourself about widespread muscle pain.