Although it affects more women than men, fibromyalgia is a common condition in people age 25 and older. More than 12 million people in the United States suffer from this painful syndrome. Dr. Jeanette Altieri and Dr. Louis Cavallo of AC Spine & Wellness Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia, are experts at diagnosing fibromyalgia syndrome and treating the symptoms with natural methods.
Fibromyalgia is a combination of life-disrupting symptoms, known as a syndrome, that can be painful and even debilitating. Most commonly, fibromyalgia affects women ages 25-60. Chronic, widespread muscle and joint pain along with fatigue and depression are typical symptoms of this syndrome.
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because there’s not always a clear cause. It is often misdiagnosed as other conditions and viewed with a social stigma that it’s not a “real” disease. Sometimes symptoms begin after trauma, surgery, or illness. Other times, there’s no apparent trigger.
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome include:
If you experience a combination of fibromyalgia symptoms for more than three months, you may want to consult a health care professional for a diagnosis. During your first consultation at AC Spine & Wellness Center, Dr. Altieri or Dr. Cavallo talk with you about your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous illnesses or conditions. They may also recommend lab tests and bloodwork to rule out the possibilities of a thyroid disorder, arthritis, or a vitamin deficiency.
As with most conditions, Dr. Altieri, Dr. Cavallo, and their team of specialists take a natural approach to treating fibromyalgia. Instead of masking the pain with medications, they offer a variety of treatments that may include any or all of the following:
Because stress often triggers the symptoms of fibromyalgia, reducing daily stress through relaxation techniques is also a beneficial remedy. If fibromyalgia symptoms are making it challenging to get through your day, call AC Spine & Wellness Center for an appointment. You can also go online to schedule a consultation as the first step in your healing process.