Patients need to know that fibromyalgia symptoms can be effectively managed with prompt diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes.

1. Dispelling Misconceptions about
Fibromyalgia
Patients need to know that fibromyalgia symptoms can be effectively managed with prompt diagnosis,
proper treatment, and lifestyle changes.
Fibromyalgia is a common painful condition in the United States, with around 4 million Americans
affected by it. In healthcare centers offering rehabilitation services in Brooklyn, physicians from
different specialties utilize an integrated approach to treat fibromyalgia.
Despite the condition being so prevalent, there are many myths doing the rounds. These myths need to
be dealt with so that patients don’t have any preconceived notions about it that could hamper early
diagnosis and treatment. Having a clear understanding about the condition is important for patients to
gain control of their symptoms.
Common Misconceptions about Fibromyalgia
• The pain is imaginary
One of the most common myths is that fibromyalgia is imagined. This isn’t true. According to
Rheumatology Advisor, a controlled clinical study published in 1981validated the symptoms in
fibromyalgia. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized the disease in 1994.
• The cause of the condition is known

2. Equally prevalent is the concept that the cause of fibromyalgia is known to researchers. Well,
researchers have found that genetic factors, mental stress, physical trauma and other conditions could
contribute to fibromyalgia. But no one knows for sure what the exact cause of the condition is.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by musculoskeletal pain along with mood issues and memory and sleep
problems along with fatigue. Fibromyalgia increases the pain sensations and affects how your brain
processes the pain signals. It is a strange combination of symptoms, which is why it is hard for
researchers to pinpoint the exact cause for the symptoms. Sometimes, the symptoms can start as a
result of some infection or an automobile accident or any such episode of physical trauma. They could
also be triggered by surgery or psychological stress such as depression. But symptoms could also occur
without any single trigger.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated. Though the exact cause is not known, the symptoms can be
addressed. Antidepressants, over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, etc can help deal
with the symptoms. Lifestyle modifications will also have to be made, including dietary modifications
and appropriate physical activity.
• Fibromyalgia and Arthritis are Similar
There’s another myth in circulation that fibromyalgia is similar to arthritis. While there are some
similarities between arthritis and fibromyalgia, and they have some common symptoms such as
musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, they are not connected in any way.
Fibromyalgia is a condition affecting the nerves, while arthritis is an autoimmune condition. That’s why
fibromyalgia symptoms include muscle and soft tissue pain, while arthritis symptoms typically include
joint inflammation. Fibromyalgia patients have also been known to develop other conditions such as
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and also psychological
conditions such as depression and anxiety.
• Fibromyalgia affects only Women
While women have a greater tendency to get fibromyalgia than men, it is a misconception to think that
it only affects middle-aged women. Though the majority of the cases involve women between 40 and 60
years of age, women of all ages as well as men and even children are known to have fibromyalgia.
Pain management centers offering neurology services in Brooklyn can help you manage fibromyalgia
symptoms and improve your quality of life.
CALL US! (718) 769-2521