Chronic Care Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia treatment available online today

In order to treat your fibromyalgia, consult with one of our board-certified primary care doctors online today to get a treatment plan that will help your muscle and joint pain. Get a new prescription to treat fibromyalgia or refill an existing prescription today.*

Prescription medications to target Fibromyalgia pain Customized Fibromyalgia pain management plans Telehealth relief for Fibromyalgia symptoms

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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of fibromyalgia. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 911.

Learn about fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes muscle and joint pain.. Although it does not have a specific known cause, it is thought to be multifactorial from both physical and mental factors. At its core, it is thought to be a disorder of pain regulation. Fibromyalgia occurs in 2% to 8% of the United States population, is more common among women, and appears between the ages of 20 to 55. In addition to widespread pain, people may experience extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and mood disturbances.

Fibromyalgia causes

Fibromyalgia does not have a definitive cause, though it is associated with many factors including genetics, physical trauma, emotional trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, recurrent migraines, jaw pain, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and bladder pain.

Emotional trauma

Emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder is thought to possibly trigger fibromyalgia symptoms. Like other chronic illnesses, depression and anxiety are linked to fibromyalgia. Other physical stressors such as infection or injury are thought to cause fibromyalgia.

Genetics

The most accepted theory is that there is a genetic component to fibromyalgia. Healthcare professionals may ask about a family history of fibromyalgia. Close relatives like parents or siblings with fibromyalgia help doctors determine risk factors. People who develop fibromyalgia may also have conditions that portray a heightened perception of pain called, "central sensitization."

Genetics, especially related to pain perception, is linked to fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia tend to have a greater perception of pain – for example, they often feel like joints are swollen, but there are no physical signs of damage. Genetics also play a role in that you are more likely to have fibromyalgia if a family member is diagnosed. People with a parent or sibling with fibromyalgia have a higher chance of developing it themselves.

Sleep problems

Fibromyalgia is associated with sleep disorders such as perpetual light sleep, feeling unrefreshed after sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and chronic fatigue. Persistent fatigue accounts for 90% of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The link between fatigue and fibromyalgia is unclear but seems to be closely related.

Fibromyalgia symptoms

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic, persistent, widespread pain that is felt among muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.People with fibromyalgia experience pain signals differently. Pain is typically described as deep muscle pain, soreness, stiffness, burning, crawling, or tingling sensations. Patients with fibromyalgia often describe symptoms as having flu-like aches and pains.

Digestive problems

Muscle tension

Painful sensations

Poor sleep habits

Pain and fatigue

Musculoskeletal and skin diseases

Chronic pain

There appears to be a close relationship between fibromyalgia and sleep problems. Chronic fatigue syndrome is linked to fibromyalgia and is characterized by debilitating fatigue. Your healthcare provider might prescribe a formal sleep test if you have persistent fatigue.

How to treat fibromyalgia

Treatment of fibromyalgia is focused on improving quality of life and managing fibromyalgia pain. The best treatment may look different for each person, but generally speaking, pain relief is often the main goal of treatment. It may take some adjusting to find the right lifestyle to reduce symptoms, but treating fibromyalgia is all about learning how to manage and cope long term, rather than finding a quick fix.

Exercise has been shown to improve chronic pain. People with fibromyalgia should participate in low-impact exercise regularly. Low impact exercise includes walking, riding a bike, or swimming. A physical therapist can help manage muscle pain through stretching and appointed exercises. Massage therapy, dry needling & acupuncture can also help to alleviate pain.

Mental health management may also significantly reduce muscle tension flare-ups, improve sleep, and reduce pain. An interdisciplinary approach is used to treat fibromyalgia patients. You may have a primary care physician, physical therapist, mental health expert, and other experts on your treatment team. Medical treatment is much more than just prescription medications.

There are no specific blood tests, or imaging exams used to diagnose fibromyalgia. Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, particularly focusing on your pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Some alternative therapies are available to treat pain. Examples of alternative treatments include:

Massage therapy
Physical therapy
Deep breathing exercises or meditation
Counseling
Tai Chi
Yoga
Dry Needling
Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia medication

Unfortunately, there are no quick cures for chronic illnesses. Treatment options for fibromyalgia include prescription medications to relieve pain. Your doctor will prescribe medications to treat your symptoms to reduce pain and fatigue. Typically, medications are started at a low dose and titrated to higher doses as needed to minimize symptoms. Pain relievers and muscle relaxants minimize symptoms of fibromyalgia. Since fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin) and steroids (glucocorticoids) are not effective.

Antidepressants

Some fibromyalgia patients may be able to manage symptoms with certain antidepressants if prescribed. This is because of the strong connection between mental health conditions and fibromyalgia. Remember, taking care of the mind alongside the body can help both better than focusing on just one or the other.

Celexa Lexapro (Escitalopram) Prozac (Fluoxetine) Zoloft (Sertraline) Paxil Luvox

Anticonvulsants

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Pain medications

Aleve (naproxen) Voltaren (Diclofenac) Mobic (Meloxicam) Celebrex (celecoxib)

Fibromyalgia treatment FAQs

What is the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia?

Having a multidisciplinary approach with a variety of healthcare team members is the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia. Each person's treatment plan is different for fibromyalgia.

What is the best medication for fibromyalgia?

Medications to treat pain, fatigue, and mood disturbances are the best medications for fibromyalgia.

What are usually the first signs of fibromyalgia?

Extreme fatigue, headache, and shoulder/neck pain are the first signs of fibromyalgia.

How does a person get fibromyalgia?

People with fibromyalgia may have a genetic component that makes them more susceptible to fibromyalgia, but other factors from mental health struggles to physical trauma can lead to the condition.

What triggers fibromyalgia?

Many components, from emotional and physical trauma and stress as well as sleep disturbances can trigger fibromyalgia.

Does fibromyalgia ever go away?

For some, symptoms may improve over time, but for most people, fibromyalgia cannot be cured. With proper guidance from medical professionals and focused self-care of the mind and the body, fibromyalgia can be managed well to provide a high quality of life.

Related conditions to fibromyalgia

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness that causes inflammation of joints, resulting in pain and swelling. RA can cause deformity to the joints. The difference between RA and fibromyalgia is that a fibromyalgia diagnosis does not confirm swelling of the joints nor does it cause joint deformity. Because of their similarities in symptoms, a rheumatologist may be consulted to perform a medical exam.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is linked to fibromyalgia due to the connection with central sensitization. IBS includes frequent abdominal pain with episodes of diarrhea, constipation, or both.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a sleep disorder defined by debilitating and persistent fatigue. Persistent fatigue occurs in more than 90% of people with fibromyalgia.

Step 1

Book a fibromyalgia treatment appointment.

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Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat fibromyalgia, if provided.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

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