Fibromyalgia Specialist

What is fibromyalgia?

If you have ongoing pain but can’t pinpoint why, the culprit may be fibromyalgia. At Raleigh Spine and Pain Center in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, interventional pain management physician Daljit S. Buttar, MD, and his exceptional staff diagnose and treat fibromyalgia to alleviate discomfort and help you live your best life. Call the office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Common symptoms you might have with fibromyalgia include:

• Fatigue
• Widespread pain
• Memory problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Migraines
• Headaches
• Painful bladder syndrome
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Joint disorders

If your pain is severe or long-lasting, see the experts at Raleigh Spine and Pain Center for an evaluation. 

What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?

Common factors that may increase your risk of getting fibromyalgia include:

• Infections
• Family history of fibromyalgia
• Car accidents
• Prolonged psychological stress
• Being a woman
• Having arthritis

If you develop rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or lupus, your risk of developing fibromyalgia appears to increase.

How does my doctor diagnose fibromyalgia?

To find out if you have fibromyalgia and develop an effective treatment, Dr. Buttar reviews your medical history with you, as well as your symptoms. He completes a physical exam to evaluate areas of your body that are painful. 

He may also order blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to detect or rule out underlying causes of your discomfort.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

If you have fibromyalgia, Dr. Buttar may recommend some of the following common treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Things you can do at home to reduce fibromyalgia pain include stress-reduction techniques, getting quality sleep and regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and focusing on your mental health. Properly manage a chronic disease if you have one and avoid smoking and excessive caffeine and alcohol.

Medications

Taking medications can reduce ongoing pain, complications associated with it (such as poor sleep), and underlying causes of your discomfort. 

Therapies

Dr. Buttar might recommend you try physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, or other therapies that help you better manage fibromyalgia discomfort.

To find out if you have fibromyalgia or get treated for it, call the Raleigh Spine and Pain Center office or book an appointment online today.