Fibromyalgia is a type of muscle condition that is characterized by widespread pain. This pain has to be present for at least 3 months and is commonly accompanied by:

• Widespread achy pain

• Fatigue

• Widespread tender points

• Headaches

• Muscle and joint stiffness

• Concentration problems

• Memory problems

• Stomach cramps

• Decreased energy

• Restlessness 

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What can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse?

• Lack of activity

• Sleeping difficulties or insomnia

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Depression

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What other conditions can exist side by side with your fibromyalgia?

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Interstitial cystitis

  • Discomfort when urinating or frequency of urination​

• Tension headaches

• Pelvic pain

• Depression

• Anxiety disorder

• Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ pain)

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How can our St. Louis pain doctors help diagnose your fibromyalgia?

At Saint Louis Spine and Joint Pain Specialists, we are highly knowledgeable of the criteria used to diagnose fibromyalgia appropriately.  

• Thorough history and physical exam. Patient history is extremely important in assisting with diagnosis of fibromyalgia as it can help identify associated symptoms as mentioned above

• Other conditions can present like fibromyalgia such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. A rheumatologist should evaluate for these conditions before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be made. Specific blood work can be ordered to test for these diseases.

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What are your fibromyalgia treatment options?

• Tender point injections

  • Help ease the achy pain associated with fibromyalgia​

• Muscle relaxants

• Anti-depressants

  • Depression can make fibromyalgia worse​

• Anticonvulsants

  • Decrease pain signals that travel to the brain

• Tramadol

• Acupuncture

• Low intensity exercises

• Relaxation techniques to deal with stress

• Water or aquatic therapy

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What can you do to avoid or decrease your fibromyalgia pain?

• Regular exercise that is low impact and low intensity

• Learn relaxation techniques that can help with decreasing stress

  • Yoga and meditation

• Regular sleeping schedule and good sleep habits 

  • Consistently go to bed at the same time every night​

• Decrease caffeine intake

• Massage therapy

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For more information or to discuss an appropriate treatment plan for your fibromyalgia with one of our specialized pain management physicians, call Saint Louis Spine and Joint Pain Specialists today.

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