Orlando Fibromyalgia Specialists
Living with fibromyalgia can be a challenging and often painful experience, which is why it’s so important to find trustworthy medical care. If you’re in the Orlando area, our team of experienced and highly skilled fibromyalgia doctors are here to provide everything from diagnostic evaluations to personalized treatment plans designed specifically for your needs. We understand the complexity of this condition and we strive to ensure that each patient receives high-quality care throughout their entire journey toward better health.
What Is Fibromyalgia and What Are the Symptoms?
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States alone. It is classified as a chronic pain disorder, characterized by widespread pain and fatigue in the musculoskeletal system. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include chronic headaches, tenderness or pain across most of the body, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, memory problems or difficulty focusing attention (known as “fibro fog”), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, and certain foods. Other symptoms can include depression and rheumatic-related symptoms such as morning stiffness. Research has indicated that fibromyalgia may be caused by genetic factors affecting nerve signal processing in the brain amongst other potential causes. If you suspect that you or a loved one might have fibromyalgia it is best to visit one of our doctors for expert advice.
What Are Some of the Treatments for Fibromyalgia?
Treatment of fibromyalgia involves medications and lifestyle changes. Common medication treatments include neuropathic pain medicines such as Lyrica and Cymbalta to reduce pain and other symptoms. Additionally, low-dose naltrexone and ketamine infusions can be used as promising treatments for fibromyalgia. Lifestyle modifications approved by some physicians for fibromyalgia patients include aerobic exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation or tai chi to reduce stress levels. All fibromyalgia treatment should be centered around the individual patient’s diagnosis and may vary from person to person depending on the severity of their symptoms.
Neuropathic Pain Medicines
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can cause severe and long-lasting symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and mood swings. Neuropathic pain medicines have become an important treatment option for people with fibromyalgia as they can help reduce the intensity of the pain associated with it. These medications typically target the nervous system, using chemicals or compounds to block or reduce painful nerve signals. Their effectiveness in relieving muscle pain and controlling other symptom flare-ups has been proven by extensive clinical trials and studies, making them an effective choice for those looking to find relief from their fibromyalgia-related symptoms.
Low-Dose Naltrexone
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has emerged as a potential treatment option for people suffering from fibromyalgia. LDN is an opioid antagonist that is typically used to treat opioid addiction and other chronic pain experiences, but research suggests that it may improve symptoms associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, and fatigue found in fibromyalgia patients. Studies indicate that LDN works by modulating the immune system’s response to inflammation and reducing levels of certain chemicals in our brain and nervous system that can affect energy and mood. Although more research is needed to better understand the efficacy of LDN for fibromyalgia, it may be a viable option for those who are searching for alternative ways to provide relief from their symptoms.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that has been used for decades in medical procedures due to its ability to produce an altered state of consciousness and provide pain relief. However, ketamine has also been found to have anti-depressant properties when used in lower doses than those administered during general anesthesia or sedation. For this reason, ketamine is gaining traction as a potential treatment option for various types of depression and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
How Does Ketamine Infusion Therapy Work?
Ketamine infusion therapy involves administering low doses of ketamine intravenously over several hours to achieve therapeutic effects. This type of therapy works by targeting the glutamate pathway; glutamate is one of the main neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and pain perception. In addition to providing fast-acting relief from depression symptoms, ketamine infusion therapy can also help relieve chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Benefits and Risks of Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine infusion therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression within just 24 hours after treatment; this makes it a great option for those who cannot tolerate traditional antidepressant medications or who have not responded well to them in the past. Unfortunately, because this type of therapy is still relatively new, there are no long-term studies yet on its safety or efficacy. As such, patients should be aware that there are potential risks associated with ketamine infusion therapy including but not limited to confusion, difficulty speaking or thinking impaired motor function, hallucinations, and/or delusions.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is an important part of managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies have shown that this type of exercise not only helps with physical symptoms but also helps with mental health issues associated with the condition. Aerobic exercise increases circulation oxygenates the body and brain and can help reduce pain, particularly in the muscles and joints. It can also improve sleep and overall well-being through the release of endorphins. An effective aerobic workout for someone living with fibromyalgia will vary depending on their individual needs, but should always include warm-up time before the start of exercise followed by stretches to help lower soreness after the workout is complete. The best way to make sure you are getting the most benefit out of your aerobic exercises is to consult with a medical professional familiar with your particular case.
What Should You Expect From Your First Appointment With a Fibromyalgia Doctor?
Your first appointment with a fibromyalgia doctor should be an opportunity for you to get your initial questions answered and begin to discuss developing a plan of action to address the condition. Expect that the specialist will start by asking detailed questions about your health history, such as where and when your symptoms began and what treatments you have already tried. The specialist also may ask about daily activities, sleeping patterns, dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and other issues related to your own experience with fibromyalgia. Your answers will help the specialist develop an effective treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Ultimately, the first appointment is intended to allow the two of you to get better acquainted with each other and start discussing how best to move forward in treating your fibromyalgia.
Summary
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the joints, muscles, and tendons. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the central nervous system. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but treatments can help relieve symptoms. If you think you may have fibromyalgia, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination to look for signs of fibromyalgia. You may also need blood tests or imaging studies to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. Once diagnosed, there are several options available for fibromyalgia pain management including medication, exercise, counseling, and relaxation techniques. With treatment, most people with fibromyalgia can manage their symptoms and live relatively normal lives.