Treating Fibromyalgia - Pain Management Near Asheville NC
If you deal with fibromyalgia pain, you know it can be a lifelong condition that causes pain, all-over body aches and fatigue. Treating the symptoms of this condition is key—and with many options available to help, you can manage fibromyalgia pain for an improved quality of life.
Talk with your pain management provider near Asheville NC to discuss your options. From new medications, therapies and lifestyle adjustments, there are plenty of treatment options to try. We are here to tell you that you can still live a healthy, active life even with fibromyalgia! Let’s get into treating this common pain condition.
Fibromyalgia Pain Quick Facts
This condition causes musculoskeletal widespread pain, fatigue and body tenderness.
The cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, but symptoms typically develop after physical trauma, injury, illness or psychological stress. Genetics may also play a role.
Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include depression, anxiety, headaches and impaired concentration.
More than 3 million people are diagnosed with fibromyalgia every year in the US—making this a very common condition!
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists work with many different types of people, from kids to adults. Licensed physical therapists use forms of movement to help restore physical function, improve mobility and relieve pain. Physical therapy can help ease fibromyalgia symptoms through muscle movement, stretching and joint movement with range-of-motion exercises. The main goal of physical therapy for fibromyalgia patients is that you learn specific treatments and exercises so you can do them independently as needed whenever you are!
Medications
Some medications can help reduce pain and improve sleep in fibromyalgia patients. Over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin and Aleve may be helpful. Antidepressants such as Cymbalta or Savella may also be used to ease pain and manage fatigue. Talk with your pain management doctor in Asheville NC to determine the best medication for you.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Mood disorders are very common with patients dealing with fibromyalgia. Up to 50% of all people suffering from fibromyalgia report to have depression or an anxiety disorder. Pain and lack of sleep puts stress on the body, leading to a less active - and more withdrawn - life. Because of this, pain psychology plays a big role in treating many fibromyalgia patients. The Pain Psychologists in Asheville at the Comprehensive Pain Consultants offer Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help you engage in an active coping process. This type of therapy is aimed at changing negative thoughts and behaviors to stop the pain cycle.
Alternative Lifestyle Treatments
Complementary therapies, activities and lifestyle changes are often recommended to relieve stress and reduce pain alongside other pain treatments. While not all alternative methods will work for everyone, here are a few examples of common fibromyalgia lifestyle treatments:
Low impact aerobic exercise
Yoga and other forms of stretching
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Ice & heat therapy
Eating a healthy diet and avoid caffeine
Pain Management Near Asheville NC
Finding a treatment plan that works can be tricky! Working with a trusted pain care team can help to uncover the cause of your pain and create an in-depth, diagnostic approach to relief. If you’re dealing with fibromyalgia or any other chronic pain condition, get in touch with us today.
Get in touch with us by calling 828-483-4438
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice, nor does reading or accessing this information create a patient-provider relationship. Comments that you post will be shared with all visitors to this page. All comments are not governed by HIPAA and you should not post any private health information.