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Writer's pictureNecie Edwards

The Best Type of Doctor to Treat Fibromyalgia

You are in pain and none of your doctors can figure out why it is happening. Sadly, fibromyalgia, a chronic and painful disorder that affects four million Americans, causes many of these kinds of symptoms.


Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, aches, and stiffness in muscles and joints throughout the body, as well as unusual fatigue. As of yet, there is no apparent physical reason for this condition. It's thought to be caused by a brain malfunction that amplifies normal nerve impulses, which causes people with fibromyalgia to feel pain or other symptoms even though nothing triggers them.


For those seeking relief, it can sometimes be difficult to find help. Fibromyalgia can be treated effectively and handled effectively by the best type of doctor to treat fibromyalgia and can help you with it. The condition is managed by both rheumatologists and pain specialists.


Finding the Best Fibromyalgia Doctors


Now that you know what kind of doctor treats fibromyalgia, it's time to find one in your area. Urban residents will have the most options, but that doesn't mean those in rural areas are out of luck. Recommendations from people and websites are both useful.




1. Make contact with support groups in your community


If you're looking for high-quality recommendations for local fibromyalgia doctors, you should seek out a fibromyalgia support group. Symptom-specific patients understand what treatment a doctor will suggest, how they will treat them, and how they have treated them.


Find a group near you. You should also know that some doctors are better suited to certain types of patients. A doctor who has received rave reviews from your group doesn't necessarily mean that the doctor is right for you. Never let anyone tell you what to do.


2. Find local fibromyalgia doctors through review sites


For finding local doctors, review-based sites can be used. This topic was discussed in-depth in our recent article about finding doctors near you.


3. Get in touch with your primary care provider


You're most likely to get important treatment recommendations from your primary care physician if you already have one. They can recommend local specialists for you.


4. Get in touch with your insurance provider


Your insurance representative can also help you find fibromyalgia doctors and practitioners in your area if you've just moved.


If you are familiar with the professionals you will encounter, you can decide by seeing the following options, who can best help you manage your condition.


Primary care doctors

If you have fibromyalgia symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care doctor.

A rheumatologist with more expertise in diagnosing and treating this disorder should be able to rule out other conditions, diagnose the syndrome, and refer you to one.


Rheumatologists


A rheumatologist treats diseases of the muscles, joints, and connective tissues. Among them are:

● Arthritis rheumatoid

● Asthma

● A lupus-like disease

● Myalgia




During the treatment of your disorder, they will likely be your main doctor. To determine how severe your symptoms are, your rheumatologist will need to understand what you believe is contributing to them.


Psychiatrists and psychologists


Psychiatrists and psychologists both treat mental disorders like anxiety and depression. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications. While an individual with a doctorate may hold the title "doctor," they do not hold the status of a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication.




They may be able to help you cope with feelings of despair and pain. It is common for the symptoms of fibromyalgia to be exacerbated by depression.


Occupational and Physical Therapists


Occupational and physical therapists help people strengthen their muscles and joints. You can perform everyday tasks more efficiently. In addition, they assist people in a living pain-free life. You can develop effective exercise programs with them. Stretching and range of motion exercises may be performed with their assistance. You can see some of these therapists at home, while others are available at clinics.



What treatments will fibromyalgia doctors use?


Fibro isn't just a mental illness. Treatment is available to you. Connie A. Luedtke, R.N., the nursing supervisor at Mayo Clinic's Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic recently discussed how these misconceptions can actually affect treatment. Her observations are as follows:


"If individuals with fibromyalgia believe there is no help for them, they will remain untreated. In spite of the fact that there is no cure, there are treatments that can really make a difference in their lives. They need to accept that it's OK to ask for help with things and to take time out for exercise and relaxation each day. People need to make their own health a priority.”





We discuss a wide range of treatments that may help. Among them are:

Workout

Dietary modification

Meditating

Therapeutic exercise

An acupuncture session

Using biofeedback

Medicines such as Lyrica and Cymbalta

TENS unit therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation are cutting-edge treatments



There is no simple cure for fibromyalgia. However, some therapies can help you reduce your symptoms and get back to your normal routine.

If you want to determine that doctor is best to treat fibromyalgia, then consider asking questions like:


What medications do you recommend, and if so, which ones?

What are your thoughts on complementary treatments like acupuncture and supplements?

Do you have any home remedies for pain relief?

In order to feel better at work, what do I need to do?

Can you tell me how I can explain my condition to people who might not understand it

Are there any fibromyalgia support groups in your area?


You should feel comfortable with them and confident that they are looking out for your interests. When you're in agreement, you have the best chance of making the relationship work.

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