Fibromyalgia, a condition associated with chronic pain throughout your entire body, affects about 4 million, or 2%, of adults in the United States. At Brighton Beach Medical Group in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, rheumatologist Alan Goldman, MD, helps you properly manage the disease to relieve pain and restore your quality of life. Call the New York City office today to learn more about fibromyalgia treatment today.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and other unpleasant symptoms that can significantly reduce the quality of your life. Fibromyalgia appears to intensify the way your brain processes pain signals.
The cause of fibromyalgia isn’t entirely understood, but certain factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:
You’re also more likely to develop fibromyalgia if you have a chronic medical condition like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or lupus.
Signs and symptoms that may indicate you have fibromyalgia, include:
Some people with fibromyalgia also experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, anxiety, depression, bladder problems, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Discomfort and lack of sleep associated with fibromyalgia can interfere with your ability to function at your best on the job and at home.
Dr. Goldman reviews your medical history and asks questions about your symptoms. If you’ve had widespread pain for over three months and he rules out other medical conditions with diagnostic testing, Dr. Goldman could diagnose you with fibromyalgia.
Treatment for fibromyalgia involves relieving discomfort with one or more of the following:
Medications can ease fibromyalgia symptoms and help you sleep better. Examples include antidepressants, pain relievers, and anti-seizure medicines. Dr. Goldman lets you know which medication is right for you.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling help improve your stamina, strength, and flexibility. They also relieve stress, depression, and pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Integrative therapies Dr. Goldman might suggest include massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits helps you better manage fibromyalgia symptoms. Examples include getting plenty of sleep, stress reduction (such as meditation), eating healthy foods, limiting caffeine, and getting regular low-impact exercise.
Don’t let fibromyalgia and its symptoms become debilitating and ruin the quality of your life. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldman at Brighton Beach Medical Group by phone or online today.
