Treating Fibromyalgia at Greater Austin Pain Center
Because fibromyalgia is a complex chronic condition without a single identifiable cause, treating fibromyalgia effectively typically requires a multi-modal approach. There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, but a combination of treatments can help patients manage symptoms, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life over time.
At Greater Austin Pain Center, fibromyalgia doctors work with each patient to identify which treatments may offer the most relief given their specific pattern of symptoms and medical history. General lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, pacing daily activities, eating a balanced diet, and building good sleep habits, can contribute meaningfully to managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also coordinate a referral for physical therapy or aqua therapy as part of a broader treatment strategy, as physical therapy can support function and help patients develop coping skills for living with chronic pain.
In terms of in-house interventional treatments, GAPC's fibromyalgia doctors may recommend options such as:
- Trigger Point Injections, which target specific areas of muscle tenderness and may help relieve localized fibromyalgia pain
- Nerve Blocks, which can be used to interrupt pain signals in affected regions
- Epidural Injections, which may be considered depending on the patient's symptom profile
- Ketamine Infusion Therapy, an option that may be appropriate for patients with significant chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments
- Platelet Rich Plasma injections, which may be used as part of a broader regenerative approach to pain management
Regarding prescription medications, since 2007 the FDA has approved Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Low doses of certain antidepressant medications and anti-inflammatory medications may also help certain patients manage symptoms. A doctor at GAPC can review whether it is appropriate to coordinate with your prescribing physician or primary care provider on medication management, as GAPC's focus is on interventional pain medicine and complementary approaches.
If you are experiencing pain that you believe may be related to fibromyalgia, the pain specialists at our Dripping Springs office are ready to evaluate your symptoms and discuss what options may be appropriate for your situation. Greater Austin Pain Center serves patients throughout Dripping Springs and the surrounding Hill Country communities with the goal of providing relief and helping patients reclaim their quality of life.