Fibromyalgia

About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is one of many central sensitivity disorders, overlapping conditions that involve a dysregulation and amplification of how your nerves transmit sensory inputs to the brain. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. Many researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors influence condition onset. There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, but symptoms associated with the disorder can be managed.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Because fibromyalgia affects the nervous system, many symptoms are related to how your body perceives sensations. Your symptoms may vary in number or intensity. Periods of heightened symptoms are known as a flare.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic pain or tenderness
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Digestive issues
• Headaches
• Tingling in the hands or feet
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Headaches
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping

Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia

Although the condition’s underlying cause is unknown, certain people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

Risk factors for fibromyalgia may include:

• Age: Fibromyalgia typically develops in people between the ages of 40-60
• Comorbid conditions: Fibromyalgia is linked to conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Sex: The condition is twice as common among female patients

Treating Fibromyalgia at UT Health Austin

Fibromyalgia treatment starts with a thorough evaluation of all factors that may be contributing to your condition to address your pain at the source. Throughout your treatment, your provider will follow up with you regularly. The details of your treatment plan and the frequency of clinician follow-up may vary based on the severity of your condition.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. A tailored exercise program that might incorporate the expertise of physical therapists provides the foundation of treatment for patients with fibromyalgia. At the same time, a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment might also incorporate assistance from additional practitioners. These can include rheumatologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, social workers, pharmacists, and others working together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to identify new therapies to improve treatment outcomes. We are committed to communicating and coordinating your care with referring physicians and other partners in the community to ensure that we provide comprehensive, whole-person care.

Learn More About Your Care Team