Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects men, women, and children. Even though it’s incredibly common, it remains among the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood medical conditions.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but a skilled pain management specialist like Dr. Manocha can deliver treatment to manage pain and improve daily function. With proper treatment, you can live an active, healthy, and fulfilling life, even with fibromyalgia.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The dominant symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread joint and muscle pain accompanied by fatigue. Many people experience additional symptoms, including:

• Insomnia or sleep disruptions
• Low pain threshold
• Sensations of burning, twitching, or tightness in muscles
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering
• Feelings of worry, depression, and nervousness
• Belly pain and bloating
• Increased urination
• Numbness and/or tingling in the extremities
• Headaches

Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and symptoms can also come and go over time. The wide range of symptoms is part of what makes fibromyalgia such a challenging condition to diagnose.

What can be done to treat fibromyalgia?

Dr. Manocha has a great deal of experience treating fibromyalgia, and he understands that each patient has a distinct set of needs. He works with you to devise a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, and he incorporates elements of various treatment paths to help you find relief.

Medications may play a role in your treatment plan, and they can help address pain, sleep disruptions, muscle tension, and mood. Prescription medications, however, carry a risk of side effects, so every effort is made to find a non-pharmaceutical solution.

Targeted exercise is a powerful treatment for fibromyalgia. Dr. Manocha works with you to create an activity plan that fits your health and any physical limitations, and adjusts your plan as you progress. Stretching, walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, and gentle strength training are all good options.

The Multiwave Locked System® (MLS) laser therapy offers a noninvasive treatment option. Sometimes called cold laser therapy, the platform creates heat deep within your tissue layers, leaving your outer skin comfortably cool. The therapy increases circulation and stimulates cell repair and tissue growth.

Alternative therapies can also help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Some men and women find relief through acupuncture, massage, and spinal manipulation. Dr. Manocha is a firm believer in using an integrative approach to treating pain, and he’s more than willing to assist you in exploring alternative therapies.

When you’re ready to get started, schedule an appointment at Interventional Pain Center today, either by phone or with the simple online scheduling function.