Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, along with fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”), and mood changes. It affects an estimated 4 million Americans, primarily women, and can significantly impact daily function and quality of life.
Though the exact cause is unknown, fibromyalgia is believed to involve central sensitization, where the brain and spinal cord amplify pain signals, leading to heightened pain perception—even from stimuli that wouldn’t normally be painful.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still being studied, but several contributing factors have been identified:
Central nervous system dysfunction (altered pain processing)
Physical or emotional trauma
Infections or illness
Genetic predisposition
Stress or psychological disorders
Often, symptoms begin after a triggering event, though they can also develop gradually over time
Fibromyalgia is commonly associated with other conditions, including:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Depression or anxiety
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Widespread muscle and joint pain
Fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
“Fibro fog” – memory and concentration issues
Sleep disturbances or non-restorative sleep
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Headaches, migraines
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or temperature
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
FDA-approved medications:
Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Milnacipran (Savella)
Low-dose antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) for sleep and pain
Muscle relaxants or sleep aids, when indicated
Avoiding chronic opioid use, which may worsen central sensitization
Physical Therapy
Gentle stretching, aerobic exercise, and posture correction
Water therapy and low-impact movement (e.g., tai chi, yoga)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps reframe negative thought patterns
Reduces stress and improves pain coping strategies
Lifestyle Modifications
Stress management techniques (mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing)
Sleep hygiene and regular sleep-wake cycles
Nutritional support with anti-inflammatory diets
Interventional and Advanced Pain Management Options
While fibromyalgia is not a structural or inflammatory joint disease, some patients benefit from targeted interventional therapies for localized areas of pain and dysfunction:
Trigger Point Injections
Used to relieve localized muscle knots or myofascial pain that coexist with fibromyalgia
Can break the pain-spasm cycle and reduce regional discomfort
Occipital Nerve Blocks
Helpful for patients with fibromyalgia-related headaches or migraines
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
Emerging treatment that may help reset autonomic nervous system imbalance
Being studied for use in PTSD, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue
Intravenous (IV) Infusion Therapy
IV infusions of ketamine, lidocaine, or magnesium may help in select, treatment-resistant cases
Should be administered under the supervision of a pain specialist
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Growing evidence that this non invasive therapy can reduce pain related to fibromyalgia
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
May be considered in severe, localized pain syndromes when all other treatments fail
When to Seek Help
You should consider professional evaluation if you have:
Widespread pain lasting more than 3 months
Fatigue that interferes with daily activities
Multiple symptoms with no clear diagnosis
A history of poor response to conventional treatments
Compassionate, Whole-Body Care for Fibromyalgia
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we understand the complexity of fibromyalgia and offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management. From physical therapy and medication optimization to targeted interventional procedures, we work to help you regain comfort, function, and control of your life.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to begin your personalized fibromyalgia treatment journey.