Fibromyalgia Treatment in San Marcos, TX

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread body pain, tenderness concentrated at specific points across the muscles, and a collection of accompanying symptoms that vary in severity from person to person. It is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning clinicians work to rule out other medical conditions before confirming fibromyalgia as the cause of a patient's symptoms.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, though researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to its development. What is understood is that fibromyalgia appears to alter the way the brain and nervous system process pain signals, effectively lowering a person's pain tolerance and amplifying the sensation of discomfort throughout the body. While there is no single cure, a range of therapies and treatment options can help patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Greater Austin Pain Center provides fibromyalgia care focused on helping each patient find a path toward better daily functioning.

How Fibromyalgia Affects the Body

Fibromyalgia is distinguished by 18 tender points distributed across the body in nine laterally symmetrical pairs. These points of pain and tenderness are located at the following sites:

• 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
• Hip bones
• Front lower sides of the neck

Beyond localized tenderness, fibromyalgia affects the body in ways that extend well beyond the muscles and joints. The condition can interfere with sleep, cognitive function, and emotional health, making it one of the more complex chronic pain presentations that pain specialists encounter. People experiencing this condition day to day often find that symptoms fluctuate in ways that are difficult to predict.

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

• Widespread pain originating from the muscles, often more severe in the morning
• Fatigue that persists even after rest
• Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Mood disturbances and anxiety
• Sensitivity to light, touch, and sound
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating and focusing, sometimes called fibro fog
• Numbness or tingling sensations, including uncomfortable feelings called paresthesias

Many individuals also report feeling pain on top of the skull or behind the eyes, often related to tension in the muscles of the neck. Sleep disturbances are particularly common and can worsen other symptoms, creating a cycle that affects a patient's overall health and daily functioning.