Chronic pain and fibromyalgia are two diagnoses that people who live with chronic pain hear on a routine basis. Simply put, both of these conditions indicate that medical science has no real explanation for the patient’s perception of constant debilitating pain. Both acknowledge that the pain is real, but they also indicate that doctors cannot attribute it to any specific etiology, or origin. The distinguishing factor of fibromyalgia is that the pain tends to be present in the softer tissues throughout the body. For sufferers of ongoing, unrelenting pain, pain management options in San Marcos can make a dramatic difference in quality of life.
Fibromyalgia is most predominant among females between the ages of 20 and 50, and may be caused by a virus. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that fibromyalgia could be the result of some malfunction of the pain receptors in the brain or even the manifestation of a traumatic incident. Since it manifests as pain in the soft tissues rather than in muscles or bones, it is commonly given a trigger point as its point of origin. Fibromyalgia pain may seem to originate from the joints like arthritic pain does, but upon further examination, it is frequently determined to originate from the soft tissue surrounding the joint.
Those diagnosed with fibromyalgia often describe their lives as riddled with pain. Pain is present when they wake in the morning, it is exacerbated by weather changes such as too much sun, too much rain and other temperature extremes, and it persists until bedtime. Fibromyalgia patients find life to be a constant cycle of pain without reason or end, which can result in fatigue, depression and sleeping disorders. Constant pain is an unpleasant experience not just for the patient, but also for the doctor who has little to offer in the way of pain management.
Patients who have received this diagnosis can benefit significantly by seeking the services of a pain management specialist. Pain management clinics are staffed with medical and psychological professionals who have dedicated their professions to understanding, treating and managing pain so that those with chronic pain can experience improved quality of life. If you have chronic pain and you live in the San Marcos area, pain management options can control and possibly even eliminate your pain.
