Fibromyalgia Specialist
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Synergy Integrative Medical Clinic
Functional Medicine Specialist located in Midland, TX
Fibromyalgia is a condition that brings pain and misery to millions, yet its cause remains unclear. If you have fibromyalgia, Dr. Anjana Rastogi at Synergy Integrative Medical Clinic in Midland, Texas, can help. Dr. Rastogi uses a range of techniques, from medication to physical therapies and IV nutrition, to combat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. To arrange a consultation and get the relief you need, call Synergy Integrative Medical Clinic today or book an appointment online.
Fibromyalgia Q & A
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, sometimes disabling disorder in which you have widespread musculoskeletal pain. While people’s symptoms vary in severity, common problems include:
- Joint tenderness
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Chronic fatigue
- Problems sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory problems
The effects on your ability to think clearly are so typical of fibromyalgia that they have their own name — fibro fog.
If you have fibromyalgia, you're more likely to suffer from a range of other conditions, such as chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The cause of fibromyalgia isn't fully understood yet. Testing shows no specific tissue damage or other measurable problems, but theories include heightened nerve sensitivity and widespread inflammation.
Fibromyalgia symptoms often get worse in response to certain triggers, such as changes in the weather, stress, hormone fluctuations, and overexertion.
The condition can leave you physically and emotionally drained from the effort of trying to function normally. Because there are no visible signs of fibromyalgia, however, other people may find it hard to understand what you're going through.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
There are no laboratory or diagnostic imaging tests that can confirm you have fibromyalgia, so getting a diagnosis may take time. Dr. Rastogi also needs to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
One approach to diagnosing fibromyalgia involves checking 18 tender points across your body. These specific areas, which include points on your neck, shoulders, spine, hips, and knees, typically cause intense pain that persists for some time.
The tender point test can help Dr. Rastogi confirm you have fibromyalgia, but they're not present in all patients who have this condition.
What treatments are available for fibromyalgia?
There are no instant fixes for fibromyalgia, but Dr. Rastogi prepares a comprehensive plan for you that helps to reduce your symptoms.
You might benefit from taking anti-seizure medications or low-dose tricyclic antidepressants to reduce nerve sensitivity, and pain medications may also help. Other ways to help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms include:
- Counseling
- Pain management techniques
- Eating a healthy diet
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Sticking to regular bedtimes
- Stress management
- Losing excess weight
- Exercising gently
Activities like yoga and tai chi are ideal for fibromyalgia; they're gentle but keep you supple and fit. Dr. Rastogi also offers options like intravenous (IV) nutritional therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and herbal remedies that may help some patients.
If fibromyalgia is making every day a struggle, call Synergy Integrative Medical Clinic to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.
