Managing Fibromyalgia Pain: Know Your Options

Nearly 7% of Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, a chronic pain syndrome that affects almost twice as many women as men. Researchers aren’t sure what causes fibromyalgia, although they believe it can be triggered by both physical and emotional stressors or trauma.

Fibromyalgia pain tends to be widespread and often associated with painful pressure points that are tender when touched. In addition to pain, many people with fibromyalgia have other symptoms, like fatigue, trouble sleeping, depression, and memory issues. 

While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, there are therapeutic options that can provide relief. The key is knowing what treatments are available so you can find a combination that works for you.

At Superior Pain Relief, Zaid Malik, MD, and his team use a holistic, whole-patient approach to fibromyalgia treatment, delivering long-lasting, meaningful pain relief through an array of therapy options. Here is a quick overview of some of the treatments that could help you feel better. 

Medications

Medications can be used alone or in combination with other therapies to achieve maximum benefit. Depending on your symptoms, we may prescribe medication to control pain, reduce inflammation, or relax tight muscles. Some anti-depressant and anti-seizure medications have proven effective in relieving fibromyalgia symptoms, too.

Trigger point injections

Trigger points are hard, painful knots of muscle tissue, and they’re a common symptom of fibromyalgia. Trigger point injections deliver medicine directly to the muscle tissue to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the area.

Ketamine therapy

Once used solely as an anesthetic, ketamine has gained a reputation as an effective treatment for chronic pain and for associated anxiety and depression. Ketamine, which interrupts normal pain pathways and improves nerve communication in the brain, is delivered via an IV infusion or a nasal spray.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy uses gentle stretching and exercises to relieve muscle pain and improve overall function, helping you enjoy activities with less pain. Your therapy plan is tailored to your specific needs and adjusted over time as those needs change.

Psychotherapy

Dealing with chronic pain causes a lot of emotional distress that often shows up as depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn important coping strategies and stress management techniques while improving your overall outlook and mood.

Complementary therapies

As a leading pain management practice, our team also offers complementary medical therapies, like acupuncture and biofeedback, to help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Complementary therapies are often used alongside other treatments based on your needs.

Lifestyle changes

Being active is important for reducing stress and helping you stay healthy. If you have fibromyalgia, the key is to regulate your activity so you avoid overdoing it and causing additional pain. Our team can help you choose activities that are right for you.

Relief for your fibromyalgia symptoms

Fibromyalgia can take a major toll on your physical and emotional health, interfering with just about every aspect of your life. But your symptoms don’t have to take over your life.

To learn more about fibromyalgia treatments that can help you feel better, request an appointment online or over the phone today with the team at Superior Pain Relief in Houston, Baytown, Willis, and The Woodlands, Texas.