Currently accepting new patients
Address

170 Benney Ln Suite 203
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
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Office hours

Mon: 8AM – 5PM
Tues: 8AM – 5PM
Wed: Closed
Thur: Closed
Fri: Closed
Weekends: Closed

Phone

Phone: (512) 298-1645

Fax: (512) 298-1795

Accepted insurance

- Aetna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Champ VA
- Cigna
- CMS
- Connected Senior Care Alliance
- Friday
- GEHA
- Humana
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Oscar
- Railroad Medicare
- Smarthealth
- Tricare
- Triwest
- United Healthcare
- WellMed
- Worker's Compensation
- Private Pay

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain that originates in the muscles and soft tissues, along with tender points distributed throughout the body. It is classified as a chronic pain disorder, meaning its symptoms persist over time and can affect nearly every aspect of a person's life. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, which makes it one of the more complex conditions that pain specialists encounter.

There is no single test that confirms a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Instead, fibromyalgia is considered a diagnosis of exclusion: a doctor evaluates a patient's medical history, conducts a physical exam, and rules out other underlying causes of pain before reaching a diagnosis. Symptoms must generally be present for at least three months before a formal diagnosis is made.

Although fibromyalgia is not fully understood, research has led to FDA-approved prescription medications and a broader range of treatment approaches that may help patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. At Greater Austin Pain Center, our team understands how disruptive a fibromyalgia diagnosis can be and works with each patient to develop a care plan suited to their individual needs.

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Common Symptoms and How Fibromyalgia Pain Affects the Body

Fibromyalgia affects the body through a network of 18 tender points, distributed in nine laterally symmetrical pairs. These points are located in areas such as the front lower sides of the neck, upper chest, inner elbows, slightly above the inner knees, base of the skull, base of the neck and top of the shoulders, upper back and shoulder blades, upper buttocks, and hip bones. Pain and tenderness in these regions are among the most recognizable features of the disorder.

Beyond tenderness at these sites, fibromyalgia symptoms extend well beyond localized pain. The most common symptoms patients report include:

  • Widespread pain originating from the muscles, often worse in the morning
  • Fatigue that does not improve with rest
  • Sleep disturbances and difficulty staying asleep
  • Difficulty concentrating and focusing, often called fibro fog
  • Mood disturbances, anxiety, and depression
  • Sensitivity to light, touch, and sound
  • Numbness and tingling sensations, sometimes described as pins and needles
  • Dizziness

Fibromyalgia also affects the brain's processing of pain signals, which researchers believe may contribute to the amplified and widespread nature of the pain many patients experience. The disorder can make even routine physical activity and daily activities feel significantly more difficult, reducing quality of life for those who live with it for extended periods.

Other symptoms that sometimes accompany fibromyalgia include muscle twitching, pain at the top of the skull or behind the eyes, and uncomfortable nerve sensations known as paresthesias. Because fibromyalgia shares symptoms with several other conditions, it is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Common Symptoms and How Fibromyalgia Pain Affects the Body

Fibromyalgia affects the body through a network of 18 tender points, distributed in nine laterally symmetrical pairs. These points are located in areas such as the front lower sides of the neck, upper chest, inner elbows, slightly above the inner knees, base of the skull, base of the neck and top of the shoulders, upper back and shoulder blades, upper buttocks, and hip bones. Pain and tenderness in these regions are among the most recognizable features of the disorder.

Beyond tenderness at these sites, fibromyalgia symptoms extend well beyond localized pain. The most common symptoms patients report include:

  • Widespread pain originating from the muscles, often worse in the morning
  • Fatigue that does not improve with rest
  • Sleep disturbances and difficulty staying asleep
  • Difficulty concentrating and focusing, often called fibro fog
  • Mood disturbances, anxiety, and depression
  • Sensitivity to light, touch, and sound
  • Numbness and tingling sensations, sometimes described as pins and needles
  • Dizziness

Fibromyalgia also affects the brain's processing of pain signals, which researchers believe may contribute to the amplified and widespread nature of the pain many patients experience. The disorder can make even routine physical activity and daily activities feel significantly more difficult, reducing quality of life for those who live with it for extended periods.

Other symptoms that sometimes accompany fibromyalgia include muscle twitching, pain at the top of the skull or behind the eyes, and uncomfortable nerve sensations known as paresthesias. Because fibromyalgia shares symptoms with several other conditions, it is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

A physical therapist in blue scrubs examines a woman's lower back as she sits on an exam table in a clinic, lifting her shirt slightly to expose the area.

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.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

Your Path to Fibromyalgia Care at GAPC

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Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

The first step toward fibromyalgia treatment is scheduling an appointment with one of our pain specialists. Patients in Dripping Springs and the surrounding area can visit our local office on Benney Lane or call (512) 298-1645 to get started. GAPC is currently accepting new patients and accepts most major insurance plans.

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Step 2: Evaluation and Diagnosis

Because fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion, a thorough evaluation is essential. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and assess your symptoms, including how long they have been present and what treatments you may have already tried. Blood work and other testing may be ordered to rule out underlying causes before a fibromyalgia diagnosis is confirmed.

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Step 3: Personalized Fibromyalgia Treatment Plan

Once your evaluation is complete, your fibromyalgia doctor will work with you to develop a personalized plan. Depending on your symptoms, this may include interventional treatments such as trigger point injections, nerve blocks, or ketamine infusion therapy, alongside recommendations for lifestyle changes and, where appropriate, coordination with other providers for physical therapy or medication management. The goal is a combination of approaches that addresses your specific pattern of fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms.

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Step 4: Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, and managing it well requires consistent follow-up over time. Your GAPC care team will monitor how you respond to treatments, adjust your plan as needed, and support you in developing long-term strategies to manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life. Patients are encouraged to communicate any changes in their symptoms between visits so care can be refined accordingly.

Testimonials

5 gold stars

"Dr. Jarzembeck is AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend her for anyone suffering in pain. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients pain has been dealt with."

Genia G.
5 gold stars

"Everyone is so friendly and helpful, Dr. Bednar came to me and explained the procedure and answered my questions. Highly recommend!"

Maggie G.
5 gold stars

"Dr. Julia is the best! The staff is professional and friendly to all. Best of all, Dr. Julia is finding solutions for my chronic pain! Never thought that it would be possible. It's a journey for me, but it seems like there is a solution."

Nancy M.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does fibromyalgia feel like?

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Fibromyalgia can cause a wide range of sensations beyond generalized widespread pain. Many patients describe pins and needles sensations, numbness, tingling, and uncomfortable feelings called paresthesias. Some experience pain at the top of the skull or behind the eyes, often related to tight muscles at the base of the neck. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and fibro fog (difficulty concentrating) are also commonly reported alongside the physical pain.

What are the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia beyond widespread pain?

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Beyond widespread pain, the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, sleep disturbances, fibro fog, anxiety, depression, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and touch. Some patients also experience numbness and tingling, dizziness, and muscle twitching. Because fibromyalgia symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, a full evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider is important for an accurate diagnosis.

Is fibromyalgia a form of depression?

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No. While depression often accompanies chronic pain and illness, fibromyalgia and depression are two distinct conditions. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points, whereas depression is a mood disorder. However, because the two conditions frequently occur together, a fibromyalgia doctor will consider the full range of a patient's symptoms when developing a treatment plan.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

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There is no specific laboratory test for fibromyalgia. A doctor diagnoses fibromyalgia by reviewing the patient's medical history, performing a physical examination, and ruling out other potential causes of pain. A formal diagnosis generally requires that symptoms, including widespread pain across specific tender point regions, have been present for at least three months. Because it is a diagnosis of exclusion, the evaluation process is thorough and may involve blood work and other testing.

When should I see one of GAPC's fibromyalgia doctors?

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If you have been experiencing persistent widespread pain, unexplained fatigue, sleep disturbances, fibro fog, or tenderness at multiple points across your body, it is worth speaking with a pain specialist. You should also consider scheduling an evaluation if you have already seen other providers without finding a satisfying explanation for your symptoms. Early evaluation can help rule out other conditions and, if fibromyalgia is diagnosed, allow you to begin working on a management plan sooner.

Is there a cure for fibromyalgia?

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There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia. However, a combination of treatments can help patients manage symptoms and meaningfully improve quality of life. FDA-approved prescription medications, interventional treatments such as trigger point injections and nerve blocks, lifestyle changes, and referral to physical therapy are all tools that a fibromyalgia specialist may use as part of a personalized care plan. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and other symptoms so that patients can engage more fully in daily activities.

Lunch & Learn With Our Doctors

Curious about interventional pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.

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Find Fibromyalgia Relief Near Dripping Springs

If you are suffering from chronic, unexplained pain that may be related to fibromyalgia, the team at Greater Austin Pain Center is here to help. Our Dripping Springs office is conveniently located for patients throughout the Hill Country, and we welcome new patients. To schedule an appointment, call (512) 298-1645 or book online. GAPC also serves patients at locations in Austin, Kyle, and San Marcos.

Schedule an Appointment

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