Fibromyalgia Treatment
In Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. It takes normal pain signals sent to the brain and amplifies them. These intensified signals lead to deep muscle pain, painful tender points, and morning stiffness. It can also lead to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety. At Pain and Spine Specialists we offer comprehensive treatments for fibromyalgia that specifically target its symptoms, helping you regain control of your life.
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We Offer Comprehensive Treatments for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a prevalent condition that impacts individuals across the globe, more commonly affecting women and often surfacing in middle age. This chronic ailment is marked by extensive pain throughout the body, significantly affecting daily life and well-being.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for fibromyalgia is crucial to managing this condition effectively. For those interested in learning more, we encourage you to use the navigation buttons below.
When you are ready to schedule a new patient consultation, our team of fibromyalgia pain specialists are ready to assist you. You can reach us either by filling out our contact form or giving us a call.
What Patients Are Saying
Great office, good people. Been there quite a few years. Never a problem. Leave them a message, they always respond. I've had six back surgeries 2knees and right shoulder. Gregg keeps my chronic debilitating pain managed well so I can still live my life best I can. Im so grateful.
Jenny Martins / google review
Dr. Rao. I can't find the words to tell you how much he has meant to me. I followed him from an old practice to his very new high tech office. They offer so many different areas of assistance to those with issues from nutrition to spinal surgery... and much more. His office is professional.
Mom To2 / vitals
Dr. Rao is such an amazing doctor! During my first visit, he never tried to rush through my appt.; he genuinely listened to all my concerns and then took his time to explain to me in detail all his recommendations and how they would help me.
Nikki / healthgrades
Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide
Fibromyalgia Digital Guide
Explore our comprehensive digital guide about fibromyalgia treatment guidelines, causes, symptoms, and answers to frequently asked questions. Empower yourself with knowledge and navigate your journey with fibromyalgia more confidently.
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Access to our Fibromyalgia guide, pain quiz, FAQ's, and patient reviews.
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Understanding Fibromyalgia and Related Disorders
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. This condition often leads to sleep, memory, and mood issues. It's believed that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting how your brain processes pain signals.
According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it's estimated that 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from this condition. Worldwide, the National Institutes of Health estimates that fibromyalgia affects 2-8% of the population. While fibromyalgia can affect anyone, it's more prevalent in women. In fact, up to 90% of those diagnosed are female. Although it's most commonly diagnosed during middle age, fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages, including children and the elderly.
Parts of the Body Affected by Fibromyalgia
People with fibromyalgia often experience pain in specific areas known as tender points or trigger points, typically located in the soft tissue on the:
- Back of the Neck
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Lower Back
- Hips
- Shins
- Elbows
- Knees
Looking for Doctors that Treat Fibromyalgia?
Pain management is crucial for people suffering from fibromyalgia. We at Pain and Spine Specialists understand the complexities of chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and offer cutting-edge treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Don't let chronic pain rule your life. Contact us today to take the first step toward effective pain management.
Fibromyalgia (FM). Signs and symptoms of disease. Woman silhouette with internal organs. Vector illustration
What Is the Root Cause of Fibromyalgia?
While the root cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, it's often thought to be related to various factors working together.
These factors include:
- 1Genetics: Genetics can potentially be a leading factor behind this, as it has been shown that fibromyalgia runs in families, and some genetic mutations make it more likely for it to occur.
- 2Infections: Some illnesses can trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
- 3Physical or Emotional Trauma: Fibromyalgia can be triggered by physical injuries or extreme stressors that cause high levels of emotional distress. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to fibromyalgia.
- 4Central Nervous System (CNS) Issues: When someone has issues with their central nervous system, it is thought that the brain and spinal cord change from continuous nerve stimulation, which can lead to higher levels of chemicals that send pain signals to the brain.
- 5Overly Sensitive Pain Receptors: It is also believed that pain receptors start to form a memory of pain and become overly sensitive, so they overreact to pain and even interpret non-pain signals as pain.
Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
Remember, while these factors may increase the risk of fibromyalgia, they do not guarantee its onset. Each individual is unique, and so is their experience with fibromyalgia. If you are concerned about risk factors, it is crucial to find a doctor who treats fibromyalgia and can accurately diagnose your condition.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
How do you know if you have fibromyalgia? As a neurological health problem, fibromyalgia is characterized by areas of musculoskeletal pain. Early symptoms of fibromyalgia may begin after a physical trauma, such as surgery or infection. Sometimes they present after psychological stress, as well. It is common for symptoms to appear over time gradually without a single catalyst event.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Tender Pain Points on the Body
- Trouble Sleeping
- Morning Stiffness
- Headaches
- Painful Menstruation
- Tingling or Numbness in the Hands and Feet
- Problems with Thinking and Memory
- Digestive Issues
Variation in Symptoms Based on Stages of Fibromyalgia
The severity of fibromyalgia symptoms can vary significantly from day to day and person to person. Factors such as time of day, weather changes, stress levels, and physical activity can all affect the intensity of symptoms. There are many stages of fibromyalgia, so some people might experience mild discomfort, while others may have severe pain that interferes with their daily activities.
It's important to note that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that lasts a long time, possibly even a lifetime. However, it won't damage your joints, muscles, or internal organs. If you're experiencing symptoms that may indicate fibromyalgia, contact our Pain and Spine Specialists team. We're here to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How Fibromyalgia Can Affect Your Life
Since fibromyalgia is a chronic illness with no known cure, it can wear a person down over time and significantly impact their daily life.
Fibromyalgia can increase the chances of hospitalization throughout a person's life, and people are twice as likely to be hospitalized than those who do not have fibromyalgia.
Major depression is also highly linked to fibromyalgia, as living with something like chronic pain can easily lead to depressive symptoms in someone. The fact is that those dealing with fibromyalgia are three times more likely to have major depression.
Unfortunately, pain from fibromyalgia can prevent people from completing daily activities that may have once been routine, and moving around can be more difficult.
Fibromyalgia can often co-occur with other autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, and some of the lesser known symptoms of fibromyalgia can crossover with some autoimmune disorders. While it is possible to have fibromyalgia and an autoimmune disorder at the same time, you may also be misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar. This is why it is crucial to seek an accurate diagnosis to receive the appropriate treatment.
Ways to Improve Your Life
While the effects of fibromyalgia can seriously impact your life, there are some methods you can do on your own, in addition to proper fibromyalgia pain management, to improve your day-to-day life from what it currently may be.
Sleep
Sleeping every night is essential for improving your day-to-day symptoms. Sleep allows your body to heal, and because fibromyalgia often leads to fatigue, getting the recommended amount of sleep is essential to your health. Create a routine for quality sleep, including going to bed at the same time every day and sleeping in a completely dark room.
Physical Activity
Exercise and moving your body throughout the day is an excellent way to help reduce pain related to fibromyalgia or arthritis. It is recommended that adults are moderately physically active for at least 150 minutes a week, which can be broken down into 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or hiking, five days a week. Stretches, such as doing light yoga poses, having good posture, and relaxation practices like meditation are also great exercises to add to your routine.
Healthy Lifestyle
A balanced diet and limiting tobacco products and caffeine are all part of a healthy lifestyle, along with finding activities that bring you joy and keep you mentally and physically engaged. Stress management is another factor in reducing the chronic aspects of fibromyalgia. Stress management can mean saying no, creating boundaries more often, limiting commitments and overexertion, and practicing deep breathing techniques.
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
At Pain and Spine Specialists, we understand that diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be difficult to make because symptoms often mimic those of other conditions. However, our board-certified physicians are committed to providing you with a thorough examination, which will assist in identifying the root cause of your symptoms. Using advanced diagnostic techniques, our fibromyalgia doctors will discover the reason for your pain and get you on the road to better health.
The fibromyalgia diagnosis criteria our team uses includes:
Our goal is to provide a precise diagnosis so we can create a personalized treatment plan to manage your fibromyalgia effectively.
Treatments for Fibromyalgia at Pain and Spine Specialists
Our Pain and Spine Specialists team understands that living with fibromyalgia can be challenging. So, we have the goal to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life with various treatment options tailored to your needs.
Existing and new treatment for fibromyalgia includes:
Injection Therapies
While not typically used as a first line of treatment for fibromyalgia, certain types of injection therapies may provide relief for some patients. This can include:
- Trigger Point Injections: Trigger point injections involve injecting medications into specific points to alleviate pain. This can be particularly effective for muscle groups contributing to pain and discomfort.
Conventional Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Conventional treatments for fibromyalgia often involve a combination of medication and physical therapy.
- Medication Management Programs: Medication management programs are designed to manage the use of medications in treating chronic pain. They aim to optimize drug therapy to improve patient outcomes.
- Referrals to Fibromyalgia Physical Therapy: Physical therapy for fibromyalgia can help improve musculoskeletal strength and flexibility and reduce pain. It's often recommended as part of a comprehensive fibromyalgia treatment plan.
Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia
Many patients find relief from alternative and natural treatment for fibromyalgia. At Pain and Spine Specialists, we partner with Shakthi and Health and Wellness Center to give access to many of these alternative treatments.
Some of these treatments include:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression and other conditions.
- Infrared Sauna: An infrared sauna uses infrared panels to heat the body directly and can help with relaxation, pain relief, and detoxification.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific body points to relieve pain and other symptoms.
- Amethyst BioMat: The Amethyst BioMat uses far infrared rays and negative ions to promote healing and regeneration in the body.
- IV Therapy: Intravenous therapy delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream and can be used to help improve overall wellness.
- Lymphatic Enhancement: Lymphatic enhancement aims to improve lymphatic circulation in the body, which can help boost the immune system and improve overall health.
- Photobiomodulation: Also known as low-level laser therapy, photobiomodulation uses light to enhance the body's natural healing processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Fibromyalgia, you should consider seeing a range of specialists, including a primary care physician, a rheumatologist, a neurologist, a psychiatrist or psychologist, a physical therapist, and, importantly, a pain management specialist.
You should see a doctor if you have been experiencing widespread pain for more than three months, that any other health condition cannot explain.
Pain specialists offer specific treatments like trigger point injections that other doctors might not provide. They are also better equipped to manage chronic pain, improving your quality of life.
Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. It's best to contact your insurance company to get detailed information about what is and isn't covered under your plan.
You can use online tools or directories, ask for referrals from your current doctor, or contact your health insurance company for a list of covered providers.
Comprehensive pain management involves a holistic approach to treat and manage pain. It includes medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
A board-certified doctor has passed rigorous exams demonstrating their expertise in a specific field. Seeing a board-certified Fibromyalgia doctor ensures that you're receiving care from someone who is highly knowledgeable about this condition.
Minimally invasive treatments typically have less risk, less pain, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery time compared to more invasive procedures.
The first line of treatment often includes a combination of medication, exercise, stress management techniques, and good sleep habits.
If first-line treatments are not effective, your doctor may consider other options, such as stronger medications, alternative therapies, or minimally invasive advanced procedures.
For outstanding fibromyalgia treatment, you can choose a Pain and Spine Specialists location near you in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Treating Fibromyalgia
Our Pain and Spine Specialists team understands that fibromyalgia is a complex condition that affects everyone differently. That's why we have developed a comprehensive approach to treating fibromyalgia that is as unique as you are.
We believe effective treatment starts with thoroughly understanding your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. Our fibromyalgia pain doctors will extensively evaluate your condition to build a complete picture. We then use this information to create a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
Our treatment strategies may include a combination of conventional therapies like medication management and physical therapy referrals, along with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and infrared sauna. We also offer cutting-edge treatments like trigger point injections, which can provide targeted relief for specific muscle groups.
Contact Our Fibromyalgia Treatment Centers
Starting your journey towards a life with less pain is simple. You can find us conveniently located throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation with one of our doctors who treat fibromyalgia. During this appointment, we will discuss your symptoms, answer any questions you may have, and begin developing your personalized treatment plan. Take advantage of having some of the best fibromyalgia doctors in the area near you by contacting Pain and Spine Specialists today.
About Us
We are board-certified doctors that specialize in fibromyalgia pain management. We strive to provide relief for patients suffering from various pain types, including back, neck, and chronic conditions like Fibromyalgia.
Digital Guide
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Treatment Options
Patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia may be good candidates for the following treatments.
Common Causes
Fibromyalgia is often caused by the following conditions.
Types of Pain
Fibromyalgia often causes the following types of pain.
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*We accept workers' comp and personal injury claim patients
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We Accept All Insurances!
That includes Medicare and state Medicaid.
Usually within one week of the initial call.
Appointments can be schedule by phone or through our contact form here.
At Pain and Spine Specialists we provide comprehensive pain care while offering the most up-to-date minimally invasive techniques. Our ethos is to treat each patient (and potential patient) as if they were a family member.
At Pain and Spine Specialists we want to provide the most efficient and pleasurable experience possible. As in all medical facilities, we have certain policies in place to ensure that you receive the time you require to address your needs as well as enhance your experience while in our care.
We encourage patient feedback to better improve your experience. We strive to create a friendly and warm environment where patients feel their voices are heard and validated.
Meet Our Team
Fibromyalgia Specialists in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia
At Pain and Spine Specialists, our team of fibromyalgia specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals living with this chronic condition. With over 20 years of experience in the field, we deeply understand the complexities of fibromyalgia and its impact on daily life.
Our doctors who specialize in fibromyalgia have a holistic perspective, recognizing that it's more than just widespread pain; it's a condition affecting every aspect of your life. We're committed to addressing your well-being, from physical symptoms to emotional health.
