Fibromyalgia Specialist

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition of the nervous system that causes widespread, generalized pain. This condition affects roughly 2% of the population, or around 4 million adults in the United States.

The underlying cause of fibromyalgia isn’t well understood, but it’s believed to result in an increased sensitivity to pain. Fibromyalgia may be related to abnormal transmission of pain-related nerve signals causing an increased pain response.

The associated pain and tenderness that comes with fibromyalgia can vary in severity and locations. Symptoms are often difficult to pinpoint, making this condition difficult to diagnose in many cases. With proper treatment, however, your symptoms can be controlled.

Who is at risk for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia most often affects middle-aged women, though children, men, and women of any age can get the condition. It’s often seen in cases where the patient also suffers from autoimmune problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or spondyloarthropathy.

Other risk factors that may place you at higher risk for fibromyalgia include:

• Obesity
• A family history of the condition
• Stressful lifestyle
• History of traumatic event
• Repetitive injuries
• Illness, including viral infections

As part of your initial consultation, Dr. Rizvi assesses your risk factors for fibromyalgia.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is generalized, widespread neurologic pain. Other symptoms can include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Mental fogginess
• Difficulty concentrating
• Skin, muscle, or soft tissue tenderness
• Sleep problems

Fibromyalgia is often seen in the presence of other conditions, such as:

• Digestive problems
• Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ)
• Migraines or headaches
• Pelvic pain
• Anxiety or depression

A fibromyalgia diagnosis is based on your symptoms and health history, as there is no blood test or diagnostic study available to confirm this disorder. Often, fibromyalgia is diagnosed when your symptoms do not have another diagnosable cause.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Dr. Rizvi uses a multidisciplinary, multispecialty approach to helping treat your fibromyalgia pain. Your treatment plan may include:

• Nutritional counseling
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Stress management
• Psychotherapy
• Education

Your treatment plan emphasizes alleviating your pain levels through improved mental and emotional health, healthy physical activity, and better quality sleep. Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and therapeutic massage, may also help improve your symptoms.

For a consultation with Dr. Rizvi regarding your fibromyalgia pain, call Houston Rheumatology and Arthritis Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.