Fibromyalgia

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects how the brain and nervous system process pain signals. Patients with fibromyalgia often experience amplified pain responses along with fatigue, sleep disruption, and cognitive symptoms.

Although the exact cause is not fully understood, fibromyalgia may be associated with:

• Physical or emotional stress
• Illness or infection
• Trauma or injury
• Autoimmune conditions
• Nervous system sensitization
• Genetics and family history

Fibromyalgia is more common in women, but it can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may fluctuate over time. Common symptoms include:

• Widespread muscle and joint pain
• Tenderness throughout the body
• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping or non-restorative sleep
• Brain fog and memory difficulties
• Headaches and migraines
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Anxiety and depression
• Increased sensitivity to touch, sound, light, or temperature
• Stiffness and reduced physical endurance

Many patients with fibromyalgia also experience overlapping chronic pain conditions, including migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and chronic neck or back pain.

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Because symptoms often overlap with other conditions, it is important to rule out other potential causes of chronic pain and fatigue.

At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, we take time to listen carefully to your concerns and develop a treatment plan focused on the whole person — not just the symptoms.

Fibromyalgia Treatments

Fibromyalgia treatment often works best when multiple therapies are combined to address pain, sleep, stress, and nervous system regulation.

Treatment options may include:

Conservative & Supportive Therapies

• Physical therapy and gentle exercise programs
• Lifestyle and sleep optimization
• Nutritional support and supplements
• Stress management and pain psychology
• Acupuncture and integrative therapies
• Limited medication management when appropriate

Interventional & Advanced Pain Therapies

• Trigger point injections
• Ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain and central sensitization
• Stellate ganglion blocks
• Peripheral nerve stimulation
• Minimally invasive image-guided procedures when indicated

Wellness Therapies

• Red light therapy and recovery-focused treatments

Our goal is to help calm the nervous system, reduce pain flares, improve sleep and energy levels, and help you return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.

If fibromyalgia symptoms are affecting your quality of life, contact Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.