What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that presents several symptoms:

• Widespread pain in the musculoskeletal system
• Sleep issues and fatigue
• Memory loss
• Mood issues

Fibromyalgia is sometimes accompanied by tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These aren’t symptoms of fibromyalgia, but many people who suffer from fibromyalgia also have one or more of these conditions.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia may be caused by a specific incident, or it may not stem from a triggering event. Incidents that can cause the disorder include surgery and infection, as well as severe psychological distress.

How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?

No known cure for fibromyalgia exists, but providers are able to help patients cope with the symptoms that it causes. Depending on a patient’s particular symptoms, a provider might recommend using medications, exercise, therapy and relaxation, and stress-reduction measures. Chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists have a variety of noninvasive procedures that they can use to help patients who suffer from fibromyalgia.

What Should Patients With Fibromyalgia Look for in a Medical Provider?

When deciding upon a fibromyalgia specialist, patients should first look for someone who has firsthand experience treating other patients who suffered from the disorder. A provider who has helped others will be able to recommend treatments that have worked in the past. Second, patients might want to look for someone who works with a team of professionals, as a group of providers may be able to provide more comprehensive treatment than any one provider can by himself.

Finally, patients should seek someone who has a practice that’s easy to get to. Treatment may require multiple or ongoing visits. Going to a provider that has a nearby practice will make it easy to get to and from the appointments.

Is Fibromyalgia Treatment Covered by Health Insurance?

Patients who have been diagnosed by a qualified medical provider with fibromyalgia may qualify for full or partial coverage of treatment. Whether a particular insurance policy will provide coverage depends on the patient’s diagnosis, the treatment selected, and the policy’s terms. Therefore, patients should check with their insurers to find out whether their treatment for fibromyalgia will be covered by their health insurance.