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Fibromyalgia

Pain, fatigue, and sleep issues are common symptoms of fibromyalgia, which is a chronic health condition that affects up to 4% of adults in the United States. Finding an effective treatment to help you manage your symptoms can be frustrating. Board-certified rheumatologist Jose A. Pando, MD, and his team of providers at Delaware Arthritis in Lewes, Delaware, and Millville, Delaware, take a holistic approach to manage fibromyalgia and offers many treatment options to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes you to feel pain throughout your entire body, along with points of tenderness. The pain may come and go and your areas of tenderness may travel to different parts of your body. In addition to pain, you may also experience fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Fibromyalgia can also affect concentration and focus, which is often referred to as “fibro brain.” Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia also have co-occurring conditions, such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, or temporomandibular joint disease.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Researchers are still investigating the underlying cause of fibromyalgia, but theorize the pain may be due to an abnormal increase in the chemicals in your brain that signal pain. Additionally, researchers believe that the brain develops a sensitivity to the pain, amplifying the sensation. Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, indicating a genetic component to the condition that may get “turned on” by a triggering factor, such as a physical condition or emotional trauma. Fibromyalgia is considered a neurological condition, not an inflammatory or autoimmune disease. While your fibromyalgia can have a significant impact on your quality of life, the condition is considered benign and doesn’t lead to other health issues such as a heart attack or stroke.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Our providers conduct a comprehensive examination when you come to the office with concerns about widespread pain. He reviews your symptoms and medical history and conducts a physical exam. He may also request blood tests to rule out other causes of your pain. Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed if you’ve been experiencing widespread pain for three or more months without any underlying health issues that could be causing the pain.

What are the treatments for fibromyalgia?

The Delaware Arthritis team takes a holistic approach to the management of fibromyalgia and works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that reduces your pain and improves your quality of life. Your treatment plan may include: Over-the-counter pain medication

Delaware Arthritis works closely with the Lewes Wellness Center and Dr. Pando may suggest participation in specific classes to assist in the management of your fibromyalgia.

Take Control of Your Joint Health Today

Don’t let arthritis or autoimmune pain limit your life. At Delaware Arthritis, our expert team offers personalized care, advanced treatments, and a compassionate approach to help you move better and feel better.