How Is It Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers often find it challenging to diagnose fibromyalgia due to the hidden symptoms. However, a thorough physical exam and review of a patient’s medical history can show us the symptoms and when they started appearing.
No medical tests are used to diagnose fibromyalgia. Differential diagnosis, a medical process of elimination that compares several conditions with related symptoms in order to narrow down the possibilities, is a major part of diagnosing fibromyalgia. Sometimes, a patient may undergo blood tests to eliminate a common cause of chronic pain and fatigue, including anemia.
Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
There are two main symptoms of fibromyalgia: fatigue and pain. However, these provide a vague diagnosis of the underlying condition. Going through your medical history gives your health care provider insight into other symptoms that provide a conclusive diagnosis, including:
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle pain and tenderness
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (face and jaw pain)
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea
In advanced stages, fibromyalgia will often present mental health problems, including anxiety, memory problems, depression and insomnia.
Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
Although fibromyalgia is still the subject of many studies, medical experts associate fibromyalgia with certain medical conditions that are believed to be risk factors. These potential risk factors include:
- Gender: People with fibromyalgia are more likely to be female than male.
- Age: Fibromyalgia is not discriminative about age, as anyone can be affected. However, individuals older than 40 are likely to develop fibromyalgia.
- Chronic illnesses: People with underlying conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, depression and anxiety are likely to develop fibromyalgia.
- Traumas: Past physical accidents resulting in serious injuries, as well as emotional trauma, could likely contribute to fibromyalgia.
Treatments and Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain
Fibromyalgia presents itself differently in different people, meaning there isn’t one conventional treatment. Patients are advised to share their feelings while taking medication, pointing out changes and side effects. Treatment of fibromyalgia often addresses emotional health as well as physical symptoms, and may include:
- Sleep therapy
- Prescription medicine to relieve pain
- Anti-depressants
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Stress management therapy
When to See a Pain Doctor For Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
Regular visits to a healthcare provider can help diagnose fibromyalgia early. However, patients can schedule an appointment with a doctor if they exhibit symptoms such as fatigue and pain that may be accompanied by mental health problems such as anxiety. Other issues that may prompt a doctor’s visit include sleep disturbances, chronic headaches and depression.