Fibromyalgia

Fibromylagia Therapy is provided by the Holzer Medical Therapy Center at both our Gallipolis and Jackson locations. If you wish to call or email the Medical Therapy Center, please visit our Medical Therapy Center contact page. The HMC Fibromyalgia Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month in the HMC Education & Conference Center Room from 5 pm - 8 pm.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a common condition associated with muscular pain and fatigue. Believed to affect approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population, Fibromyalgia occurs more commonly in women than in men.

Fibromyalgia is not associated with arthritis, nor is it a cause of inflammation. Instead, Fibromyalgia appears to be a form of soft-tissue rheumatism; a broad term including a group of disorders that cause pain and stiffness around the joints, in muscles, and in bones. The cause of Fibromyalgia remains unknown, but it is believed that sometimes a triggering event may precede its onset. An infection, an auto accident, even the development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may awaken a preexisting physiological problem.

Widespread musculoskeletal pain is the most prominent symptom of Fibromyalgia. It generally occurs throughout the body, although it may start in one region, such as the neck and shoulders, and may spread over a period of time.

There is nothing imaginary about the pain and fatigue symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Many sufferers report the characteristic feeling that they “ache all over.” Feelings of fatigue associated with Fibromyalgia range from a mild tiredness to flu-like exhaustion.

It is possible for the symptoms of Fibromyalgia to vary from day to day, changing both location and severity. Fibromyalgia can become worse in parts of the body you use most, such as your neck, shoulders, and feet.

Flare ups of Fibromyalgia can occur due to allergies, infections, anxiety and stress, overwork, depression, and premenstrual and menopausal hormones. Even a simple change in the weather can sometimes be an aggravating factor.

Additional Symptoms and Associated Conditions

In addition to an all-over sense of pain and fatigue, Fibromyalgia is often associated with other symptoms and syndromes, including:

• Sensory Sensitivity. Patients are often more sensitive to odors, loud noises, and bright lights than the average person.
• Trouble Sleeping. Achieving a deep, refreshing sleep is difficult for many Fibromyalgia patients. They may also suffer from sleep apnea and “restless leg” syndrome.
• Head and Facial Pain. The stiff neck and shoulder muscles common to Fibromyalgia sufferers often results in head and facial pain, including chronic headaches.
• TMJ. Many Fibromyalgia sufferers, perhaps up to 50%, develop temporo-mandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ.
• Trouble Concentrating. Fibromyalgia sometimes results in a feeling of “brain fog.” This sensation changes in severity from day to day. Other symptoms include memory lapses and feelings of being overwhelmed when faced with multiple tasks.
• Digestive Problems. Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea are common in Fibromyalgia patients.
•  Other Symptoms. Genito-urinary problems, premenstrual syndrome and painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, numbness and tingling sensations (paresthesia), painful spots (myofascial trigger points) muscle twitching, irritable bladder, swollen extremities, and impaired coordination.

Services to Treat Fibromyalgia

There is no known cure for Fibromyalgia. Medical treatment usually centers on alleviating the symptoms of the disease. Because so many areas of the body are affected by Fibromyalgia, comprehensive treatment often means involving more than one health care professional in the treatment and management of symptoms.

With effort and the support of family, the medical community, and other Fibromyalgia sufferers, the symptoms of the disorder can be lessened, allowing patients to lead happy and productive lives.

Medications such as muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and growth hormone therapy are sometimes prescribed, as are anti-depressants for those who may be suffering from depression. New medications and clinical trials give hope for the future, and you should always keep in touch with your medical care professionals to learn about the latest treatment options that may be appropriate for you.

Exercise and maintaining good physical health are often key factors in lessening the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Where possible, reducing stressors in daily life also helps lessen flare-ups and the severity of symptoms.

In addition to stress management, some Fibromyalgia patients benefit from relaxation techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery, and self-hypnosis. These techniques can be effective in the management of chronic pain.

Fibromyalgia Support Group

Holzer Medical Center and the Arthritis Foundation sponsor a Fibromyalgia Support Group, which meets the second Tuesday of each month at Holzer Medical Center's Education and Conference Center.

If you have any questions, or need more information, please call us at 740-446-5121 (Gallipolis), (740) 395-8367 (Jackson), or Contact Holzer Medical Therapy Center. Please also check our Event Calendar for more information.

Locations

In Gallipolis - Enter the Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis at the Ambulatory Surgical Center. Take the elevators to the basement floor and turn right. Go down the hallway until you will see the Holzer Medical Therapy Center office.

In Jackson - Enter the Holzer Medical Center in Jackson through the main doors. Turn left and walk down the hallway to the end and you will see the Holzer Medical Therapy Center department directly in front of you.

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