Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by chronic and widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and usually some component of depression and anxiety. It affects 2-4% of the population-predominantly females. It is believed to be due to a re-wiring of the nerves causing an exaggerated response to pain.
Common Symptoms
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Diffuse/widespread pain involving muscles and joints
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Poor sleep
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Chronic fatigue
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Depression/anxiety
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Stiffness
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Memory loss/cognitive impairment
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Severe pain with minimal stimuli
Most patients with fibromyalgia also have severe difficulty with sleep. There has been a reported association between fibromyalgia and sleep apnea, once again linking the role of sleep in the pain cycle. It is important to note that fibromyalgia should always be a diagnosis of exclusion and that all other reasons for pain should be ruled out with appropriate blood work and x-rays.
Treatment
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Anti-depressants have sometimes been shown to be effective
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FDA approved medication specifically for fibromyalgia
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Treatment of underlying depression/anxiety/PTSD
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Aerobic exercise
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Correction of the sleep cycle
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Most of the focus is on treating neuropathic pain since it is felt that fibromyalgia is primarily a disorder where the nerves are hypersensitive
Our Specialties
Our Location
Panama City
2232 W. 24th Street
Panama City, FL 32405
M-Th: 8am-Noon & 1pm-5pm
Friday: 8am-1pm
Closed For Lunch
850-215-3062 Phone
850-215-3024 Fax
