About Fibromyalgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Wondering if you are suffering from fibromyalgia? If you’re wanting to learn more about fibromyalgia, you’re probably wondering what the causes, symptoms, and treatment options are. Learning more about diseases you may be suffering with will help you determine the best course of action for treatment when diagnosed by a doctor. And, knowing more about your treatment options if you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia can help you determine the best ways to pay for medication!
Learning About Fibromyalgia: What is It?
Chronic pain is a debilitating symptom of a number of illnesses. And, it’s a symptom that affects millions of Americans daily. Fibromyalgia is the biggest culprit of causing symptoms of chronic pain. That’s because Fibromyalgia is a disease of the nervous system, which is responsible for sending signals of pain. It’s believed that those diagnosed with this disease have a malfunctioning nerve signal connection between the brain and nerves. This results in the widespread pain that those diagnosed with the condition experience on an everyday basis. There is no cure for Fibromyalgia. But, fortunately, with changing lifestyle habits and treatment, those diagnosed can get the relief from the chronic pain they need.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Of course, the most common symptom of Fibromyalgia is the chronic pain that can be experienced at any time and anywhere in the body. But, other symptoms of the condition may include:
- Muscle spasms
- Tender areas of the body
- Inability to fall or stay asleep
- Reduced ability to remain focused
- Exhaustion
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Migraines
Who Can Get Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia?
There really isn’t much known about the causes of Fibromyalgia. So, it’s hard to say that certain demographics of people are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease due to research. But, we do know that specific people may be at higher risk for developing Fibromyalgia based on past statistics. Individuals may be more likely to be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia if they:
- Are female
- Have been previously diagnosed with mood disorders
- Suffer from other chronic pain diseases
- Don’t frequently exercise
- Have family members diagnosed with Fibromyalgia
Getting a Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
If you want to learn more about Fibromyalgia and how it may affect you, your best chances are to ask your doctor. Unfortunately, there is no test to determine if someone suffers from this condition. So, at first, your doctor will try to eliminate the possibility of other conditions which match your symptoms. Once it has been determined that you aren’t affected by other conditions, your doctor will then ask you to keep a log to document when and where you experience chronic pain symptoms. After review of these documentations, your doctor will then determine if you require a Fibromyalgia diagnosis and treatment.
Exploring Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Once diagnosed, your doctor will suggest a form of Fibromyalgia treatment he or she thinks would work best for you according to your medical history and experienced symptoms. First, your doctor will suggest making a few lifestyle changes that could reduce symptoms of chronic pain in Fibromyalgia patients. These may include getting more exercise, physical therapy, a healthier diet plan, and individualized counseling. Second, along with lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe you with a medication. Both pain and anxiety medications are frequently prescribed to patients struggling with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Paying for Fibromyalgia Prescription Medications
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and also been given a prescription to help deal with pain, it may be challenging to afford it. Medications meant to reduce painful symptoms, like Lyrica, can’t help you if you can’t afford them. That’s where Advocate My Meds comes in to help. We provide a prescription assistance program for individuals who would otherwise be unable to pay for the costs of their prescription medications. To find out if you qualify or to enroll, call us today at 877-596-1604!