Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that's primarily defined by its symptoms:

• Widespread pain in your muscles and other soft tissues
• Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with sleep
• Sensitivity to temperature, lights, and noises
• Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
• Tingling or burning sensations in your arms and legs
• Memory loss
• Headaches
• Depression
• Anxiety

Fibromyalgia often flares up in response to triggers like stress and changes in the weather. During a flare, the condition causes such intense pain and fatigue that you may not be able to work or socialize.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Though no one has determined fibromyalgia’s exact cause, the condition is associated with a neurological problem called central pain sensitization. This occurs when long-term pain leads to biochemical changes in your nerves. 

As a result, your nerves become hypersensitive and send more pain signals to your brain.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Your provider diagnoses fibromyalgia based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam. They may run blood tests to rule out other underlying conditions that might cause similar symptoms.

Fibromyalgia generally requires multiple treatments to target your diverse symptoms. Your care plan may include:

Exercise

Getting exercise goes a long way toward relieving your pain and improving your mood. However, it's just as important to balance activity with rest.

Medications

Your provider may prescribe medications that treat the nerve and muscle pain of fibromyalgia, such as Cymbalta®, Savella®, and Lyrica®, as well as other medications that target other symptoms.

Ketamine infusions

Ketamine works as an anesthetic when used in a high dose. In a lower dose, a ketamine infusion effectively relieves widespread body pain and headaches. This treatment also changes the way your central nervous system processes pain, which may offset central pain sensitization.

Another benefit of ketamine is that it treats depression and anxiety. An estimated 20-80% of people with fibromyalgia struggle with anxiety, and nearly as many develop depression.

Intravenous ketamine (IV) infusion is not FDA-approved for treatment of fibromyalgia. IV ketamine infusion for treatment of fibromyalgia is considered off-label use and is not covered by insurance. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and can help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain intensity and fatigue. 

TMS is not FDA-approved for treatment of fibromyalgia. TMS for treatment of fibromyalgia is considered off-label use and is not covered by insurance. 

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help you deal with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. During therapy, you can learn coping skills for overcoming the many challenges you face as a result of living with fibromyalgia.

Alternative therapies

Your provider may also recommend alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and meditation. These treatments ease pain and improve your mood.

If you need relief from fibromyalgia, call Oasis Therapeutics or book an appointment online today.