|
|
|
« Back
I think I finally figured out that the symptoms I'm having are from fibromyalgia. But there's a ton of stuff on the Internet about where to go for help and what to do first. I can't decide between ordering nutritional supplements, getting a massage, using essential oils, trying hypnosis, and a million other things. What do you advise?
|
|
The first thing to do is see your primary care physician and get an accurate diagnosis. Fibromyalgia symptoms are wide ranging and vary tremendously from person to person. They also mimic many other conditions, problems, and diseases.
So before going down the rabbit hole (an expression from Alice in Wonderland), make a list of your symptoms and concerns and take it with you to your doctor. Your doctor can sort out all the symptoms, select the best tests, and rule out other reasons for your physical distress.
Physicians are trained to take a good patient history and interview patients about psychosocial stressors. It turns out that psychologic, emotional, and social stresses are linked with a higher rate of FMS in the general population.
The information gleaned from the medical intake examination will help your physician identify any risk factors you may have for fibromyalgia syndrome. Some of the more common risk factors include traumatic injury, heavy lifting or pulling, and mood disorders. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder also seem to be linked with FMS. Having a bipolar illness increases the risk of developing fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) dramatically.
What causes this condition to develop? Sometimes FMS occurs as a result of some other medical condition. For example, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory disease), metabolic dysfunction (e.g., thyroid problems), or cancer often develop a type of FMS referred to as reactive fibromyalgia. It's important to identify whether or not the FMS is primary (the main problem) or secondary (caused by other problems).
Early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment can provide a faster resolution of symptoms and much improved prognosis. In fact, half of all adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia early in the development of their disease (and who are adequately treated) no longer have this problem two years later.
Your physician's expertise in understanding medications that can help and prescribing the right one for you is important. He or she will refer you to others such as a physical therapist, massage therapist, or other skilled health care professional who can help as well.
Again, it's best to know what you are treating specifically (fibromyalgia or something else) before trying everything out there that's advertised to "cure" this problem. Your physician will know what studies have shown that support (or don't support) various treatment options available.
|
References:
|
|
|
« Back
|
|
|
|
*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
 | All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission. |
|
