• 09 OCT 19
    • 0
    Coping with Fibromyalgia

    Coping with Fibromyalgia

    If you or someone you know suffers from fibromyalgia, and are looking for a pain management doctor on Long Island, get in touch with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island today for more information about how we can help you.  

    Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects more than 10 million people in the U.S., and approximately 80% of those sufferers are women. Musculoskeletal pain throughout the entire body accompanied by other debilitating symptoms are characteristic of those suffering from fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, making it a very difficult disease to manage. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, consider speaking with a pain management doctor on Long Island to help you learn how to manage the pain and live with this strenuous condition. Dr. Rai and the team at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island has decades of experience helping patients learn to live with the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. 

    Symptoms & Causes:

    Although research has been conducted, physicians are unclear on what exactly causes fibromyalgia to appear. Some professionals cite genetics as the possible culprit if it runs in your family, or it can be triggered by an infection or extreme physical or emotional trauma. All that being said, it’s important that you identify your symptoms in order to receive a proper diagnosis. Your fibromyalgia condition may include symptoms such as some of the following: 

    • Widespread Pain – Fibromyalgia pain is usually characterized as a dull, aching pain that will persist for at least three months without other explainable causes and symptoms.  Fibromyalgia pain is generally bilateral and can cause discomfort above and below the waistline.  
    • Fatigue – It’s normal for those with fibromyalgia to wake up feeling tired even after a long night’s sleep. Fibromyalgia pain also often interrupts sleep and is typically associated with other sleep disorders.
    • Cognitive Disruptions – People with fibromyalgia often experience fogginess and have trouble focusing or concentrating on tasks.

    Fibromyalgia is often likely to coexist with other medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, painful bladder syndrome, and temporomandibular joint disorder.

    How can I Manage my Fibromyalgia? 

    Although fibromyalgia isn’t curable, there are several things you can do to help when it comes to coping with fibromyalgia and the symptoms associated with the disease:

    • De-stress and focus on yourself – Stress can sometimes trigger symptoms into flaring up and becoming worse. Consider trying yoga, meditation, and other exercises in order to help minimize the amount of stress in your life. Take some much needed time to focus on yourself and refrain from exuberating an unnecessary amount of energy.
    • Exercise – Along with helping to minimize stress, exercises such as swimming in warm water can help minimize pain and stiffness. Consult with your pain management doctor in Suffolk County in regards to specific exercises that can target your pain.
    • Write important things down – If you suffer from confusion due to your fibromyalgia, making notes and writing things down can help you remember pertinent information. Keep a pen and paper handy or even use the notepad application on your phone/desktop. 
    • Warm water soaking – Enjoying a warm bath or sitting in a hot tub can help relax your muscles and reduce your pain.
    • Avoid caffeine – Staying away from caffeine will help you to sleep better, be less stressed, and keep you relaxed.
    • Make work more life more beneficial for you – Speak with your boss if your work leaves you feeling exhausted and in pain every day.  Maybe make your environment more comfortable and relaxed or work from home part-time if possible.
    • Talk about it – Find a trusted friend, family member, or therapist that you speak with and confide in them about the struggles associated with fibromyalgia.  
    • Don’t be afraid to say no – If you aren’t feeling up to an activity or event, don’t be afraid to say no to doing something. Taking care of yourself is more important!

    How a Pain Management Doctor on Long Island Can Help You: 

    Speaking with a pain management doctor on Long Island can provide you with some relief from the stressful symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Dr. Rai of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island can help you manage your pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia to help you cope and live a more relaxed and pain-free life, not held back by fibromyalgia. Contact us for more information today!

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