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Did you know that approximately 5 million Americans suffer from a medical condition called fibromyalgia? This chronic illness causes daily pain, tenderness, and fatigue. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it is important to consult a reputable pain treatment center in Ocala, Florida, or your hometown, to properly treat your symptoms. Read on to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about fibromyalgia. What Is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects approximately 4% of Americans and is predominately found in women. Fibromyalgia literally means pain in the muscles and soft tissues of the body. This condition is considered a syndrome because it is associated with a large number of symptoms including widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, tender points, anxiety issues, and sleep problems. What Causes Fibromyalgia? The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but researchers believe it may be a central nervous system processing disorder. Symptoms of fibromyalgia tend to appear after stressful emotional, physical, or medical events. While these events do not cause fibromyalgia, they may awaken an underlying genetic abnormality that is already present. When compared to a normal person, individuals with fibromyalgia tend to experience amplified amounts of pain due to the abnormalities in pain processing by the central nervous system. What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia? Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include the following: • Widespread pain: The pain commonly associated with fibromyalgia is often described as a dull ache on both sides of the body that lasts for at least 3 months. • Fatigue: Individuals with fibromyalgia have problems sleeping, awake tired, and may have other types of sleeping disorders. • Cognitive difficulties: Another symptom of fibromyalgia is the inability to pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks. This symptom is commonly referred to as “fibro fog.” • Other issues: Individuals with fibromyalgia may also experience headaches, abdominal pain, chest pain, dry mouth, dry eyes, numbness and tingling, heart palpitations, multiple allergies, weight gain, anxiety, and depression. What Are the Risk Factors of Fibromyalgia? Some of the most common risk factors for developing fibromyalgia include the following: • Genetics: The largest risk factor for developing fibromyalgia is having a family history of the condition. • Autoimmune diseases: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis have a greater likelihood of developing fibromyalgia. • Stress: Emotional and physical stressors are associated with the development of fibromyalgia. • Infections: Certain infections including hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr, and Lyme disease are known triggers of fibromyalgia. • Gender: 75% of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed? Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult because many of the symptoms overlap with other conditions. Therefore, doctors often have to rule out other possible conditions before making an official diagnosis. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has set the following criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia: • A history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months. • General physical symptoms including cognitive difficulties, fatigue, and waking unrefreshed. What Are the Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat. Not all physicians are familiar with the treatment of fibromyalgia, so it is important to find a pain treatment center in Ocala, Florida, or your hometown, that is. Treatment for fibromyalgia may include any of the following options: • Medications: Common medications used in the treatment of fibromyalgia include pain relievers, anti-depressants, and anti-seizure drugs. • Therapy: Certain therapies including counseling, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and tai chi may be helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. • Lifestyle changes: Self-care is critical in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Doctors recommend that patients reduce stress, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, avoid overexertion, and eat a healthy diet. Central Florida Pain Management in Ocala, FL treats many pain conditions with innovative treatments and management techniques. Pain Treatment Center Ocala Florida. Visit our page on http://www.cfpainocala.com/conditions/ for more info!
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