Chronic nerve pain can be tough, but you’re not alone. At Sean’s Massage Center, we can help. If you or someone you know has fibromyalgia, call us for a free consultation at (614) 327-4338. You can also start your path to relief by filling out the form on our Get Started page to learn about our special rehab program.
Don’t let chronic pain control your life—get expert fibromyalgia treatment!
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body, which can shift from one area to another. People who suffer from fibromyalgia often experience not only this persistent pain but also extreme fatigue that can last for days or even weeks. Many individuals with this condition recall having a previous injury, such as whiplash from a car accident or a fall, which may have contributed to the development of their symptoms.
This complex and multifaceted condition presents significant challenges for both those who are affected and the healthcare professionals who treat them. The unclear and varied nature of fibromyalgia makes it particularly difficult to diagnose and manage effectively. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and they can change over time, adding to the confusion. Let’s take a closer look at the key characteristics and symptoms of fibromyalgia to better understand this condition.
Say goodbye to constant pain—Sean’s Massage Center can help you manage fibromyalgia effectively.
Challenges in Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
One of the biggest hurdles for those with fibromyalgia is the skepticism surrounding the condition. Some people—even medical professionals—question its legitimacy, making it difficult for patients to receive the understanding and care they deserve. It’s frustrating and unfair. You’re not asking anyone to believe in something far-fetched—you simply want acknowledgment that your pain is real. Fibromyalgia isn’t imaginary; it’s a daily struggle, and for those who live with it, the suffering is undeniable.
Chronic nerve pain? You’re not alone—let us help you find relief today!
The Struggle of Misdiagnosed Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia remains a mystery to many doctors, who often view it as a collection of symptoms rather than a real medical condition. As a result, patients are frequently met with generic advice like, “Try exercising more,” or “Swimming might help.” While well-meaning, these recommendations can feel dismissive—like telling someone with a high fever to go for a jog.
Treatment typically revolves around medication that only masks symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. While some drugs may provide temporary relief, there is no true cure. Every medication comes with side effects, and though they might help you get through the day, they rarely offer a lasting solution.
Beyond the medical challenges, fibromyalgia can feel incredibly isolating. Even the most supportive friends and family may struggle to understand what you’re going through. No one can step into your body and experience your daily pain, making it a lonely and exhausting battle.
Don’t suffer in silence—fibromyalgia relief is possible.
Understanding Fibromyalgia
Many in the medical field—and as a result, the general public—view fibromyalgia as a lifelong, incurable condition. Even when individuals manage to recover against all odds, they may face skepticism, sometimes even being dismissed by fibromyalgia support groups as never having had the condition in the first place. The idea of recovery challenges the widespread belief that fibromyalgia is permanent.
Even those living with fibromyalgia often don’t realize the full range of symptoms associated with the disorder. Chronic pain is just one aspect—unexpected issues like joint problems, noise sensitivity, and even the need for surgeries such as knee or shoulder replacements may all be connected.
The complexity of fibromyalgia makes it a difficult condition to diagnose and treat. To understand why its symptoms seem so scattered and unpredictable, imagine your home losing electricity. When the power goes out, multiple appliances stop working at once—not because each is broken, but because they all rely on the same power source. You wouldn’t try to fix each appliance individually; instead, you’d restore the electricity.
Now, think of your nervous system as that power source. In fibromyalgia, the nervous system isn’t functioning properly, disrupting multiple areas of the body at once. This isn’t just speculation—research supports the idea that dysfunction in the brain and central nervous system (CNS) contributes to fibromyalgia symptoms. Dr. Daniel Clauw, a leading researcher on fibromyalgia and the CNS, has found evidence that injuries, illnesses, and major stressors can overwhelm the nervous system, triggering a cascade of symptoms.
By understanding fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder rather than just a collection of symptoms, we can begin to approach treatment more effectively and holistically.
Tired of endless pain? Our fibromyalgia treatments can make a difference.
How This Imbalance Leads to Symptoms
Pain: The Constant Shadow
Of all the symptoms fibromyalgia brings, chronic, widespread pain is the most relentless and draining. It doesn’t just affect the body—it wears down the mind and spirit. However, understanding the root causes of this pain can provide clarity. When you grasp the mechanics behind your specific symptoms, you take an important step toward finding relief and restoring hope.
Struggling with fibromyalgia symptoms? We’re here to help!
The Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
The “Fight or Flight” Response
The sympathetic nervous system is your body’s built-in defense mechanism, designed to respond instantly when danger arises. Imagine an early human encountering a saber-toothed tiger—there’s no time for hesitation, only action. This system kicks in within seconds, preparing the body to either fight or flee.
When faced with a threat, the body reallocates energy to essential survival functions. Blood flow is diverted from digestion and the skin to the muscles and lungs, ensuring strength and endurance. Breathing becomes faster and deeper as the airways expand, allowing more oxygen into the bloodstream. The heart beats rapidly to circulate that oxygen and the pupils dilate to sharpen vision in low light.
Meanwhile, the adrenal glands flood the body with adrenaline, boosting alertness and reaction speed. Sphincters throughout the body, like those controlling the bladder, tighten to conserve energy. Every system works together, focusing solely on one mission—keeping you alive.
Is Your Nervous System Stuck in “Fight or Flight”?
Why Does This Affect You?
You may not be running from a saber-toothed tiger every day, but your brain doesn’t always know the difference between real danger and emotional stress. When you experience fear, anxiety, or past trauma, your nervous system can react as if your life is in immediate danger. Old emotional wounds, even from years ago, can stay trapped in the subconscious mind, replaying like a background program on a computer—disrupting the system without you realizing it. To your brain, that past trauma is still happening.
Physical injuries, such as whiplash from a car accident or a fall, can also overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system. When this system gets stuck in a constant state of “fight or flight,” the parasympathetic system—the one responsible for relaxation and healing—gets suppressed.
This imbalance can trigger the widespread symptoms of fibromyalgia and other nervous system disorders, including whiplash-associated dysfunction (WAD).
The key to addressing fibromyalgia lies in restoring balance to the central nervous system. Over the years, we have refined a comprehensive approach that focuses on nervous system rehabilitation. Our program includes vagus nerve stimulation, neuromuscular re-education using patented technology, magnetic resonance therapy, viral and bacterial analysis, targeted treatments, and liver detoxification. These therapies work together to reset and restore nervous system function.
Your body is not beyond repair. It can heal when given the right support. By addressing the root cause—nervous system dysfunction—fibromyalgia symptoms can improve, helping you reclaim your health and well-being.
Ready to Restore Balance & Find Relief?
FAQs
A balanced lifestyle includes regular low-impact exercise, stress management, proper sleep, and an anti-inflammatory diet. Massage therapy can also help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Fibromyalgia can develop at any age but is most commonly diagnosed between ages 30 and 50. However, symptoms can appear earlier in some cases.
There is no single best painkiller, but medications like pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella) are commonly prescribed. Many patients find relief through alternative treatments like massage therapy and acupuncture.
Yes, with proper treatment, self-care, and lifestyle adjustments, many individuals manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Fruits rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as berries, oranges, and apples, can help reduce symptoms. Dates, which are high in magnesium, may also be beneficial.
Fibromyalgia is considered a chronic condition, meaning it does not typically go away completely. However, symptoms can be managed effectively with the right treatments.
The exact cause is unknown, but research suggests it may be related to abnormal pain processing in the brain, genetic factors, infections, or past physical/emotional trauma.
There is no known cure, but treatments such as massage therapy, acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and medications can help manage symptoms.
High-impact exercises like running, jumping, and heavy weightlifting may worsen symptoms. Instead, try low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, or yoga.
Emerging treatments include neuromodulation therapies, new medications, and advanced rehabilitation programs like the one offered at the Spero Clinic, which focuses on neurologic rehabilitation for chronic pain.
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple sclerosis can have similar symptoms and may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia.
While fibromyalgia is not officially categorized in stages, severe fibromyalgia (often referred to as stage 4 by some) is when symptoms become debilitating, making daily activities extremely difficult.
Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia through symptom evaluation, medical history, and a physical exam. The widespread pain index (WPI) and tender point exam are commonly used diagnostic tools.
Yes, a vitamin D deficiency can cause symptoms like muscle pain and fatigue, which can be mistaken for fibromyalgia. A blood test can help differentiate between the two.
Fibromyalgia is sometimes referred to as fibrositis or chronic widespread pain syndrome.
Common supplements that may help include magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, and turmeric for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Yes, some studies suggest that low B12 levels can contribute to fatigue, nerve pain, and brain fog, symptoms commonly seen in fibromyalgia.
Yes, dates are rich in magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants, which may help reduce muscle pain and inflammation in fibromyalgia patients.
