Myths and Facts About Fibromyalgia

Myth #1: Fibromyalgia is a blanket term that doctors use when they can’t diagnose the exact cause of your pain.

Fact: While fibromyalgia is a challenging condition because of its widespread and sometimes vague symptoms that come and go and mimic other diseases, doctors can make a definitive diagnosis. The American College of Rheumatology developed a specific set of standards to help doctors rule out other conditions. Among the criteria are:

• Pain for 90 days or more
• Level of severity of pain in 19 parts of your body

After blood tests rule out other possible health conditions, your doctor diagnoses you with fibromyalgia.

Myth #2: Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune condition.

Fact: While many fibromyalgia symptoms are congruent with an autoimmune disorder, it doesn’t officially earn that label. Fibromyalgia is often compared to arthritis and certain forms of that condition, like rheumatoid, are autoimmune, which is where the idea originates.

Myth #3: There’s a cure for fibromyalgia.

Unfortunately, a cure for the chronic pain condition has not been discovered. However, the disease can be managed with a little help. Dr. Neel Amin works with you to understand the full range of your symptoms and how it impacts your productivity. Some of the treatment options he may recommend include:

• Identifying Triggers
• Medications
• Occipital nerve stimulation
• Physical therapy
• Cold laser therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• Therapeutic massage
• Acupuncture
• Yoga

With the right combination of therapies, your pain becomes manageable, and you can resume a normal life. To learn more about fibromyalgia and schedule an evaluation, call the office to make an appointment or schedule one online.