Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia or Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and increased sensitivity to pain.

It can also be associated with fatigue, non-restorative sleep, difficulty concentrating and other physical symptoms. The condition is thought to involve changes in how the brain and nervous system process and regulate pain signals.

Fibromyalgia can significantly affect physical activity, sleep, work, mood and overall quality of life. Symptoms may fluctuate over time, with periods of increased pain or fatigue known as flares.

Causes & Risk Factors

• The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood.
• It is believed to result from a combination of genetic, neurological and environmental factors that alter pain processing.
• Genetic predisposition
• Abnormal processing of pain signals by the nervous system
• Previous physical injury or trauma
• Certain infections or illnesses
• Prolonged physical or emotional stress
• Sleep disturbances
• Other chronic pain conditions
• Psychological and environmental factors

Symptoms

• Widespread Muscle and Body Pain
• Aching, burning or stiffness
• Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure
• Fatigue or Persistent Tiredness
• Poor or Non-Restorative Sleep
• Fibro Fog – Difficulty Concentrating or Remembering things
• Headaches or Migraine
• Tingling or unusual sensory sensations
• Increased sensitivity to Light, Sound, Temperature
• Morning stiffness
• Reduced physical endurance
• Mood Changes, Anxiety or Low Mood
• Irritable bowel symptoms

Widespread Musculoskeletal Tender Points Assessment

Individualized Pain Consultation & Neuromodulation Protocol

How Fibromyalgia is Diagnosed?

1. There is No Single Blood Test, Scan or Imaging Study that confirms Fibromyalgia.

Diagnosis is primarily clinical and is based on the patient's history, symptoms and physical examination.

The doctor evaluates the distribution and duration of pain, associated symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbance, and the overall clinical picture.

1. Blood tests or other investigations may be performed when necessary to exclude conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, inflammatory diseases, vitamin deficiencies or other medical conditions.

CBC – for Anaemia

ESR and/or CRP – evidence of systemic inflammation

Serum Vitamin B12 – particularly if there is neuropathic symptoms, numbness or tingling

Serum Vitamin D – deficiency contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms

Serum Calcium, Renal and Liver function – when clinically indicated based on symptoms/history

TSH – for Thyroid Dysfunction

ANA – for Autoimmune Connective-Tissue Disease

RF / Anti-CCP – for Inflammatory Arthritis

CK – for Muscle Weakness or suspected Myopathy

Iron Studies / Ferritin – for Anaemia, Fatigue or Iron Deficiency

Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia

There is No single treatment that works for everyone.

Management is usually multidisciplinary and individualized, with the goal of reducing symptoms, improving physical function, supporting better sleep and enhancing quality of life.

At AREVA At AREVA, we assess patients with widespread or persistent pain to determine whether fibromyalgia or another underlying pain condition may be contributing to their symptoms. Our approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, education, physical rehabilitation, appropriate medication management and treatment of any coexisting or identifiable pain generators, with the goal of improving function and quality of life.