Fibromyalgia Specialist

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting your central nervous system. Common symptoms include:

• Widespread muscle pain and hypersensitivity to touch in certain areas
• Persistent fatigue
• Sleep problem, including insomnia and not feeling rested when you wake up
• Mental fogginess, including difficulties with memory and concentration

When you have fibromyalgia, there’s a problem with how your central nervous system processes pain signals. You have certain “trigger points,” areas on your body where your brain interprets even light pressure as painful. Your trigger points may be located on the back of your head, the tops of your shoulders, or your upper chest, hips, knees, and elbows.

Fibromyalgia isn’t life-threatening, and though symptoms may worsen over time, it doesn’t follow a predictable course the way many other progressive diseases do. However, fibromyalgia can affect your entire body and greatly disrupt your life, so it’s crucial to get treatment.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but common risk factors include:

• Genetics: Many people with fibromyalgia also have a family member with the condition
• Other illnesses: Fibromyalgia is relatively common among people with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; these conditions can trigger and worsen fibromyalgia symptoms
• Physical or emotional trauma: If you’re predisposed to fibromyalgia, you may develop it after a significant physical or psychological distress.

It may seem confusing that fibromyalgia can have psychological, genetic, and physical triggers. Keep in mind that fibromyalgia affects your brain, specifically the way it interprets pain signals, not the parts of your body where you experience symptoms.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

As a rheumatologist, Dr. Farheen has extensive knowledge and experience in managing chronic pain and other disruptive symptoms from chronic conditions, including fibromyalgia. Though fibromyalgia isn’t curable, you can control your symptoms and improve your quality of life with medication, including:

• Antidepressants, which improve pain, sleep disturbances, and difficulties with mood and concentration
• Pain relievers, including over-the-counter medications
• Anti-seizure medications, which can help with certain forms of fibromyalgia pain

In addition to medication, Dr. Farheen helps you follow habits that improve your mood, energy, and overall sense of well-being. This can include reducing your stress while maintaining a manageable level of daily activity, practicing good sleep habits, and participating in physical and occupational therapy. Though these changes may sound difficult if you’re already in significant pain and feeling overwhelmed, the right combination of medication and support can give you the boost you need to benefit from self-care.

To get help if you’re living with fibromyalgia, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Farheen online today.