What Does Fibromyalgia Feel Like?

Fibromyalgia is a complicated chronic health condition that affects an estimated 4 million American adults. We still have a lot to learn about fibromyalgia, including what causes it.

At the Center for Pain Management, our patients come to us with plenty of questions about fibromyalgia. Does fibromyalgia go away? How is this condition treated, and who should people with fibromyalgia turn to for help? Let’s answer these questions and more. 

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome of symptoms, including widespread pain throughout the body and fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. It’s not known exactly what causes fibromyalgia or why it happens, but genetics and the environment could both play a role. 

Medical researchers have proposed that people with fibromyalgia have nervous systems that process pain differently than people without fibromyalgia. For example, some studies have found that people with fibromyalgia have lower levels of certain chemicals (hormones and neurotransmitters) in their brains that cause them to be more sensitive to pain.

Women are more likely than men to experience fibromyalgia, especially if they have certain risk factors, including:

• Obesity
• A history of physical trauma (e.g., an injury sustained in a car accident)
• High stress levels
• Smoking habit
• Arthritis
• Family history of fibromyalgia
• Some types of infections

What Are The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia symptoms can include:

• Pain all over the body (it might feel like a dull ache, throbbing, or burning sensation, and can get worse at certain times of day, e.g., first thing in the morning)
• Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with sleep or rest
• Mood and memory problems (e.g., brain fog or “fibro fog”)
• Sleeping problems
• Frequent headaches
• Frequent muscle cramps or spasms
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Painful menstrual periods
• Restless leg syndrome
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Increased sensitivity to bright lights, cold, heat, and/or loud noises
• Depression and anxiety

Fibromyalgia is considered a chronic condition, so it doesn’t generally go away. But with proper treatment, symptoms can be controlled. 

How is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can’t be diagnosed with a single test, so consulting with a highly-qualified pain management specialist gives you the best chance at lasting relief. Our experienced Indianapolis pain management doctors can rule out other conditions and make sure your treatment is customized based on your individual needs. 

Treatment may include:

• Pain medications, including oral or injected pain medicines
• Psychological services to help improve mood, mental health, and coping skills
• Physical therapy, including personalized exercises, stretches, manual techniques like massage, and modalities like biofeedback and electrical stimulation 

Did you know? Regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise and strength training, has been shown to help people with fibromyalgia manage and reduce their symptoms. Multidisciplinary treatment from our fibromyalgia providers can help you increase your activity tolerance so you can safely enjoy exercise and improve your overall wellbeing!

Life With Fibromyalgia: Find Answers, Find Pain Relief, Find Hope

If you or a loved one has fibromyalgia and are ready to visit a pain management clinic for help, contact the Center for Pain Management today or call 317-706-7246 to schedule an appointment. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and can help you or your loved one start feeling better ASAP with a personalized pain management plan.