Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects 5-10 million adults in the United States. At Rheumatology East, with locations in Germantown and Jackson, Tennessee, board-certified rheumatologist Bradley Postlethwaite, MD, diagnoses and treats this often-painful condition to enhance your quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting one online today.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a pain-causing condition affecting your joints and muscles. It’s often characterized by ongoing discomfort, fatigue, and various other symptoms. While there's no known cause or cure, treatment with Dr. Postlethwaite at Rheumatology East offers long-lasting relief and the best quality of life possible. 

Which symptoms can fibromyalgia cause?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can lead to:

• Joint or muscle pain
• Tenderness
• Fatigue
• Jaw or face pain
• Bladder control problems
• Migraines and headaches
• Diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Memory problems
• Insomnia 

These or other symptoms often come and go during fibromyalgia flare-ups.

What increases the risk of fibromyalgia?

Risk factors for developing fibromyalgia include:

• Being female 
• Being over 40
• Family history of fibromyalgia
• Genetic mutations
• Emotional or physical trauma
• Stress
• Infections
• Osteoarthritis
• Other chronic diseases
• Mental health disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Women are twice as likely as men to have fibromyalgia. However, the exact cause of fibromyalgia isn’t known. Things that might trigger fibromyalgia flare-ups include hormone changes, emotional stress, being ill, lack of sleep, starting a new medication, weather or temperature changes, and changes to your regular routine. 

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Diagnosing fibromyalgia requires a review of your medical history, lifestyle, medications, and symptoms. Dr. Postlethwaite also completes a physical exam and may recommend blood testing or additional diagnostic tests to rule out other potential causes of unpleasant symptoms.  

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Your personalized fibromyalgia treatment plan might include one or more of the following:

• Over-the-counter medicines
• Prescription medications 
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Sleep therapy 
• Stretching
• Strength training
• Antidepressants 
• Stress management 

While there’s no surefire way to prevent fibromyalgia because there’s no known cause, maintaining healthy habits might diminish the severity of painful symptoms. Properly manage stress, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and practice good sleep hygiene habits to lessen any discomfort.  

If you need care from a mental health provider or another specialist, Dr. Postlethwaite provides referrals. Follow up with him periodically to ensure your fibromyalgia treatment is working effectively and to manage your condition long-term. 

Schedule a fibromyalgia evaluation at Rheumatology East by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.