But research has since shown that there are no abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system in people with fibromyalgia. Instead, the problem appears to lie in the pain processing pathways of our central nervous system—the bailiwick of neurologists. Today, both rheumatologists and neurologists treat fibromyalgia.
The pain from fibromyalgia is what typically prompts people to visit a neurologist, and this specialist may prescribe medications to control your pain. Pain Management doctors treats all forms of pain, including that caused by fibromyalgia.
FACT: Fibromyalgia is a neurological disease affecting a person's sensory processing system. Fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation or damage to joints. Brain imaging and studies have shown that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system.
There's by no means unanimity in the medical community that fibromyalgia is a legitimate condition. "There's an extremely wide range of opinions of physicians, ranging from it doesn't exist at all to it's a true illness.
Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is still a somewhat controversial diagnosis, because it is not yet fully understood and its symptoms can overlap with many other conditions. Some people even say that it's a “garbage can” diagnosis that's only given when no other one can be made.
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers include: a serious injury, such as after a car accident. an infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease.
The FM/a ® Test analyzes your immune system's white blood cells for their chemokine and cytokine protein patterns. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia will show an abnormal pattern of these protective proteins. The degree of abnormality is scored from 1 to 100.
Yes! The muscle pain, fatigue, inability to sleep and other symptoms can make it impossible to work in the job you are qualified for. That's the standard that must be proved to win an insurance claim. Successful TPD claims have been won for fibromyalgia against many different super policies.
While MS and fibro may have some symptoms in common, they are ultimately distinct conditions with very different causes and treatments. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis are both chronic diseases with no cure. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis can both cause some of the same symptoms.
But research has since shown that there are no abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system in people with fibromyalgia. Instead, the problem appears to lie in the pain processing pathways of our central nervous system—the bailiwick of neurologists. Today, both rheumatologists and neurologists treat fibromyalgia.
In people with fibromyalgia blood tests fail to show any serious abnormalities. CT and MRI scans looking for abnormalities affecting the brain, spinal cord or nerves are normal or inconsistent with the persons symptoms.
It's unlikely that you'll need an MRI for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome unless your particular set of symptoms is similar to that of a neurological illness that requires evaluation with an MRI. You may also need an MRI at some point to diagnose an injury or a different illness.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based primarily on having pain all over the body, along with other symptoms. Currently, there are no specific laboratory or imaging tests for fibromyalgia.
Research has uncovered evidence that FM is an autoimmune disease. Neuroinflammation and small-fiber neuropathy appear to be important elements of it.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is sometimes helpful in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms, while pregabalin (Lyrica) was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia.
Financial help for fibromyalgia comes in two main forms in Australia. Disability Support Pensions and TPD insurance claims from your super policy can each give you assistance. It's possible to qualify for both!
To prove disability with fibromyalgia, you'll need more than just a description of your symptoms. You'll need a thorough record of your medical history, testimony from friends, family, and coworkers, and a specific outline of your symptoms and how they impact your day-to-day life.
The FDA approved a laser therapy device called FibroLux to treat fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is characterized by joint and muscle pain. FibroLux can reduce pain by delivering light to cells, increasing energy production, and healing cells.
0 – No problem. 1 – A slight or mild problem (generally mild or intermittent) 2 – A moderate or considerable problem (often present and/or at a moderate level) 3 – A severe, continuous, life-disturbing problem.
Who gets fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia affects as many as 4 million Americans 18 and older. The average age range at which fibromyalgia is diagnosed is 35 to 45 years old, but most people have had symptoms, including chronic pain, that started much earlier in life.
There are no lab tests that can diagnose fibromyalgia. However, because many other conditions have symptoms similar to those or fibromyalgia, your doctor may order tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
Key Differences Between MS and Fibromyalgia
MS is an autoimmune disease caused by a problem within the immune system that causes damage to the layer covering the nerves. Fibromyalgia is thought to be caused by abnormal levels of chemicals in the brain.
Several rheumatic diseases can mimic fibromyalgia. These include sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, polymyalgia rheumatica and lupus. They have symptoms of widespread pain along with joint involvement. Most rheumatic diseases are treated with medication and physical therapy.