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Pain Conditions Treated

Myofascial Pain Syndrome & Fibromyalgia

Bay State Pain Management Provides Effective Treatments for Myofascial Pain Syndrome & Fibromyalgia. Simply Call Your Nearest Location to Schedule an Appointment.

fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia presents itself as generalized pain common with sleep disorders, depression, or irritable bowel syndrome. It has to be clear that this is a diagnosis of exclusion; there are many neurological conditions that can present with similar symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a central syndrome that does not originate in the muscle, but originates in the brain and the spinal cord.

There are different medications tried in the treatment of Fibromyalgia. The uses of narcotics, especially short acting narcotics, are not recommended. There are new techniques and new medications that have proven to be effective in multiple studies.

How Are Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome Different?

Two overlapping chronic pain conditions showing similar symptoms are myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. If these conditions are ever confused, they could be treated as only one single condition, and the pain lingering from the other condition is not addressed; therefore, it is key to seek guidance from a pain management physician.

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a pain condition in the musculoskeletal system. It’s known to create pain conditions with trigger points. These MPS trigger points are not the same as fibromyalgia tender points. Trigger points in MPS appear like a small lump under the skin. They are painful when pressure is applied.

Studies indicate that MPS trigger points often form where muscle tissues are damaged. Abnormally healed tissues create cell connections that form the trigger points.

How Does Fibromyalgia Relate to MPS?

Fibromyalgia and MPS are both conditions that cause pain in the musculoskeletal system. With MPS however, the pain is localized. With fibromyalgia, the pain is believed to be centralized. Treating MPS and other chronic pain early on can prevent developing fibromyalgia later.

Why A Correct Diagnosis Is Important

Myofascial pain syndrome can increase fibromyalgia pain. By treating fibromyalgia pain, myofascial pain can also be relieved. There are several therapies available to help treat the trigger points in MPS that cause pain.

Symptoms typical of MPS and Fibromyalgia are:
  • Muscle pain—ranging from mild to severe
  • Headaches
  • Unpleasant sleep
  • Balance problems
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Ear pain
  • Memory Troubles
  • Random sweating
  • Worsening symptoms under stress, physical activity, or bad weather

Symptoms Unique to MPS:

  • Nausea
  • Peripheral numbness
  • Joints clicking
  • Blurred vision

Symptoms Unique to Fibromyalgia:

  • Exhaustion & fatigue
  • Disorientation
  • Panic attacks
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Light and noise sensitivity
  • Allergies

Finding Treatment

The treatments for fibromyalgia and MPS have some similarities, and by treating MPS you can help to reduce fibromyalgia pain. However, there are treatments for MPS that can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.

The first step to getting both MPS and fibromyalgia is finding a qualified physician who specializes in treating pain.  

 

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can affect your neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs. The pain may be worse in the morning and evening. Sometimes, the pain may last all day long. The pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress. This condition is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50. It is most common in middle-aged women.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The cause is unknown. Researchers think there may be a link with sleep problems and stress. It may also be linked to immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems.

The four features of fibromyalgia:

Pain

Patients talk of widespread or generalized pain that is often axial (such as low back pain). It is interpreted to be deep and muscular in origin, however the patient may report ‘weakness’.

Stiffness

Widespread stiffness, which is worse in the morning, may improve during the day, but is much worse the day after physical exertion or exercise. The pain is not enough to keep a patient in bed

Fatigue

Fatigue may be the first problem a fibromyalgia patient describes. While the patient may experience 24-48 hours of energy, the rebound is falling into fatigue and being tired again.

Non-restorative sleep

Wake up feeling tired. This symptom is not universal.

To manage fibromyalgia, a management program should contain

  • the correct diagnosis
  • patient education about the disorder
  • sleep enhancement for fibromyalgia
  • aerobic fitness for fibromyalgia

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There are no tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Instead, diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly ruling out other conditions.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but symptoms can be managed. Mild cases may get better with stress reduction or lifestyle changes. More severe cases may need to be treated with a healthcare team approach. This may include your primary healthcare provider, a specialist called a rheumatologist, a physical therapist, and a pain management clinic. Treatment may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines to ease pain and help you sleep

  • Other pain medicines

  • Medicines approved for treating fibromyalgia (duloxetine, pregabalin, and milnacipran)

  • Medicines to ease depression (antidepressants)

  • Exercise (low impact) and physical therapy to stretch muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness

  • Relaxation methods or cognitive behavioral therapy

  • Heat or cold treatments

  • Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic or massage therapy

Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

Living with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, but it may be managed by working with your healthcare providers. In addition to medicines, lifestyle changes can help symptoms. These include getting enough sleep and exercise.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, tell your healthcare provider.

Key points about fibromyalgia

  • Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body.

  • Researchers think it may be linked to sleep problems, stress, or immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems.

  • Symptoms may also include lack of energy (fatigue), sleep problems, depression, headaches, and other problems.

  • There is no known cure, but symptoms can be managed.

  • Treatments may include medicine, exercise, relaxation, heat or cold, and massage.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

  • Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

  • Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

  • At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

  • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are..

  • Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

  • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

  • Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

  • If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

  • Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Why is a pain management doctor a good choice to be treated for Myofascial Pain Syndrome & Fibromyalgia?

Pain management doctors are specialists who have training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of different kinds of pain, which may be the symptom of a variety of conditions – both acute or chronic, or a combination of causes. Pain management specialists are trained to evaluate patients with complicated medical issues and have a deep understanding and knowledge of the specialized tests designed for the diagnosis of conditions which can cause pain. They are also incredible knowledgeable when it comes to the treatment of pain and are often on the cutting edge of new technologies and techniques used in its treatment.

For those looking for treatment of their lower back pain, then Dr. Algendy at Bay State Pain Management Center is here to help. Please call (508) 4362555 to schedule an appointment or consultation.