Fibromyalgia is a widespread chronic muscle pain condition that affects a very large number of people in the United States. The majority of people who suffer from this disorder are adult women. The age range is between 30 and 50 years and the severity of symptoms can vary from one person to the other. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown but it could be caused by abnormalities in muscle tissue and the endocrine system, changes in how the nervous system processes pain and genetic predisposition. It may be triggered by trauma, surgery, infection or major emotional stress. Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder and the symptoms that may present are as follows:
- Widespread pain above and below the waist.
- Fatigue
- Muscle stiffness
- Headaches
- Sleeping disturbances
- Anxiety/depression
- Numbness and tingling
- High sensitivity to noise, odors, bright lights, and touch
- Tenderness
- Difficulty with memory and concentration
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed via blood tests, radiological testing or biopsies. A thorough medical examination must be performed by a physician to rule out other conditions that cause pain and fatigue.
Here at Total Care Physical Therapy, our experienced physical therapists can help the patient to manage and lessen their symptoms. A personalized, comprehensive treatment plan will be created to address the patient’s pain, fatigue, deconditioning, muscle weakness, stiffness, tenderness, and other related factors. An effective treatment plan will include both active and passive methods. Active treatment will consist of beneficial exercises to help strengthen muscles via various strengthening methods, improve flexibility and reduce pain/tenderness and other symptoms. Passive treatment includes manual soft tissue techniques, hot and cold therapies, electrical stimulation and ultrasound. For more information, Contact us at Hillsborough, NJ center.