Patients with fibromyalgia experience chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and stiffness. At Cohen Medical Centers, we provide FibroLux laser therapy treatments to help our patients reduce and manage their pain.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Patients with fibromyalgia in Thousand Oaks complain of chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and stiffness. They usually report sleep disturbances that involve repeated awakenings and greater fatigue on rising in the morning than on retiring at night. There may also be a component of depression, migraine headaches, irritable bowel problems, temporomandibular joint pain, and dizziness when rising from a seated position. Fibromyalgia is believed to be a multifactorial disturbance in which environmental factors and/or stress deteriorate sleep. Disturbed sleep results in greater pain, depression, and fatigue, which in turn leads to more stress, plus physical and cardiovascular deconditioning. This condition can appear alone or in combination with other autoimmune diseases, cancers, trauma, or infections.
How Is It Diagnosed?
While the results of laboratory tests are usually completely normal, diagnosis of fibromyalgia is aided by a physical examination that reveals multiple symmetric tender points. In contrast to normal tenderness, the tenderness of fibromyalgia is characterized by an exaggerated emotional response, withdrawal of the tender part, and worsening of pain after examination.
How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?
Fibromyalgia in Thousand Oaks is treated with stress reduction and a structured aerobic exercise program including stretching and flexibility exercises. Also, sleep patterns need to be improved so you can wake with less fatigue and less pain. At Cohen Medical Centers, we provide FibroLux laser therapy treatments to help our patients reduce and manage their pain.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause is unknown. Sometimes, it can develop on its own, especially among individuals with a family history of the disease. Additionally, research has found that other factors might contribute to its cause as well:
- Stressful or traumatic events
- Repetitive injuries
- Illnesses such as viral infections
Who Is At Risk?
Unfortunately, anyone can get fibromyalgia, but it tends to be more common in women, middle-aged people, individuals with a family history of developing the condition, and those with certain diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.
Fibromyalgia Treatment In Thousand Oaks, California
The award-winning Dr. Cohen and his superior team offer treatment for fibromyalgia in Thousand Oaks. To schedule an appointment, simply call us at (805) 449-8781.
