Fibromyalgia is a common health condition that can affect any part of a patients body. The level of severity and pain felt can also vary from patient to patient and doesn’t always present as a persistent, ongoing problem. Patients can often have good days where symptoms are tolerable and manageable but then have days where they find it hard to function or carry out normal day to day activities without pain and exhaustion. Doctors describe fibromyalgia as a chronic neurological condition and often see patients complain of joint pain, irritation and inflammation. Sufferers can find it difficult to sleep yet feel completely exhausted all the time.
Help with alleviation of fibromyalgia
At the moment, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia. However, ongoing research and modern treatments allow doctors to ease fibromyalgia symptoms through a combination of medications, holistic and physical therapy treatments. Just about everyone that is diagnosed with fibromyalgia will see a rheumatologist at some point during their treatment. A rheumatologist is a highly trained doctor that specialises in treating inflammatory health conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, chronic pain, back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, soft tissue rheumatism, neck pain, carpal tunnel, gout, osteoporosis and shoulder pain.
Because fibromyalgia can display similar symptoms to other common inflammatory health conditions, a rheumatologist can perform tests and examinations to rule out other possible causes.
Once correctly diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a patient will be treated with a combination of complementary and pharmaceutical treatments to help relieve pain and manage symptoms easier.
Long term management of fibromyalgia
Because there isn’t a cure for fibromyalgia as yet, patients will get ongoing help from their doctor that can include receiving medication, seeing a rheumatologist, taking Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), having physical therapy such as seeing a chiropractor or physiotherapist, taking regular gentle exercises such as swimming or yoga, and partaking in therapies for stress relief, such as massage, meditation and acupuncture.
Taking regular gentle physical exercise is encouraged for fibromyalgia patients because it can help to strengthen muscles and joints, reduce stress and relieve some painful symptoms.
Fibromyalgia patients may often need regular medications, although these can vary from patient to patient. Medications can help regulate the intensity or level of symptoms felt and reduce pain and the associated stress of the condition.
Booking a consultation with Dr Bhadauria
It is easy to book a consultation with Dr Bhadauria in one of his London clinics closest to you. By consulting with Dr Bhadauria and his team, you will improve your quality of life through the effective management of your condition.
We will be able to rule out any other cause for your symptoms and prescribe the most effective medication based on your symptoms, such as painkillers, antidepressants, sleeping medication, and muscle relaxants. We will also offer appropriate complementary and alternative therapies that can help you to manage your condition.
Article by Dr. Naveen Bhadauria
