Fibromyalgia treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

Yes. A doctor on Maple can help you manage previously diagnosed fibromyalgia. Once you describe your symptoms and condition to the doctor, they’ll be able to provide any necessary prescriptions and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. If the doctor suspects you have a more serious problem, or is unable to help, they may suggest for you to go to a clinic for a thorough physical examination.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes widespread muscle and joint pain, as well as fatigue and sleep, memory, and mood issues. 

Typical symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Overall aching
• Muscle pain, burning, tightness, or twitching
• Lowered pain threshold and tender points
• Extreme fatigue
• Trouble concentrating and remembering
• Sleep disturbances
• Feeling nervous, worried, or depressed
• Headaches
• Dry mouth, nose, and eyes
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, light, or sound
• Numbness or tingling in face, hands, feet, legs, and arms

For some people, fibromyalgia symptoms can fluctuate and worsen at certain times. They are more likely to experience flare ups during periods of high stress or pressure. Flare ups can also be caused by changes in diet, hormones, sleep, schedule, weather, or treatment.

Because fibromyalgia is a complex condition, it requires a clinical evaluation in order to be diagnosed properly. The diagnosing doctor will look for certain criteria before diagnosing you with fibromyalgia. These criteria include: persistent pain for at least 3 months with no physical abnormality; fatigue or non-restorative sleep; cognitive dysfunction and mood disturbances; and a number of pain-related factors. The doctor will speak with you about your symptoms, discuss your history and experience, and may conduct some tests to rule out other causes.

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, some medications can help reduce fibromyalgia pain and improve sleep. Common over-the-counter pain relievers can be very helpful (think acetaminophen and ibuprofen), but the doctor may suggest a prescription pain reliever such as tramadol, although narcotics are best avoided, as they are addictive. Antidepressants can help with pain and fatigue symptoms, and muscle relaxants can help with sleep. Finally, some anti-seizure drugs are often useful in helping with fibromyalgia symptoms. The doctor will help you decide the best course of treatment.