Fibromyalgia

Interventional Pain Associates

Sarosh Saleemi, MD

Pain Management located in Austin, TX

IT'S NOT JUST "ALL IN YOUR HEAD"

Well, technically speaking, fibromyalgia manifests as a nervous system disorder, with symptoms such as depression and anxiety. However, Fibromyalgia is a very real and complex disorder that causes chronic pain, which is not always easy to quantify or diagnose. All too often, this disease is misdiagnosed or written off as an "overreaction."

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is complex and may have many underlying causes.

Genetics: Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, particularly in adult women. 

Infections: Some lysogenic viral infections may play a role in developing fibromyalgia. Once contracted, additional infections can worsen the symptoms and frequency of flare-ups over time. 

Stress: A certain level of physical and emotional stress is healthy, but repeated exposure to trauma can dampen the immune system and increase the chances of developing fibromyalgia. 

Comorbidities: Some diseases tend to raise the chances of developing fibromyalgia, such as arthritis.

Environmental factors and toxin exposure:

People are exposed to various potentially toxic agents and conditions in their natural and occupational environments. The threat is real but underrecognized. The toxic exposure includes heavy metals, industrial chemicals, plastics, fertilizers, processed food, and infections such as mold exposure. Toxins have an association with fibromyalgia manifestation.

Sleep and fibromyalgia:

The cycle of sleep and wakefulness is one of the most integral and intricate functions of human life, and it involves a complex set of interactions between neural circuits, neurotransmitters, and hormones. A disruption in sleep homeostasis is inherently related to an individual’s well-being, including their mental and physical health. Dysfunctional sleep patterns may also affect chronic disease development, such as fibromyalgia and vice-versa, as the relationship between mental and physical health, and sleep quality is frequently multidirectional.

Fibromyalgia Treatment Options: 

Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, there are promising treatment plans available. 

Where other physicians might see the many underlying causes of fibromyalgia as complicated, we see them as multiple avenues of approach for treating fibromyalgia in a comprehensive, holistic, and evidence-based manner. Treating fibromyalgia requires that all aspects of the patient’s symptoms including fatigue, chronic pain, mood disorder, sleep disturbance, and gut issues be addressed. These issues are not simply additive but synergistic, interacting with each other, as well as strongly influenced by past experiences and history of each patient. They cannot be addressed in isolation but must be viewed within a holistic framework. Our current models of care are heavily disease-focused, targeting specific body systems. Holistic medicine views the body systems as interconnected To treat a patient "holistically" means to treat the body as a whole unit rather than a sum of systems. As such, our treatments often involve a combination of different therapies that have been scientifically proven to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of fibromyalgia flare-ups. 

Addressing the underlying issues:

Each patient with fibromyalgia has a different etiology and pathology. To treat fibromyalgia successfully, the root cause(s) need to be diagnosed. The conventional laboratory tests are limited. Dr. Saleemi utilizes advanced lab testing to determine the cause of your symptoms. Treatment can then be personalized and focused. Call today at 512-795-7575 to get relief from the pain of fibromyalgia.

Nutrition

A balanced source of nutrients is key to a healthy immune system. We can offer advice on diet programs that have shown promise and recommend supplements where needed. . Call today at 512-795-7575 to get relief from the pain of fibromyalgia.

IV Therapy

When dieting isn't enough, we can deliver direct IV infusions of nutrients with our Myer's Cocktail with GI protocol. In more severe cases, we also offer Ketamine Infusion Therapies. . Call today at 512-795-7575 to get relief from the pain of fibromyalgia.

Stress Reduction

Reducing stress is a strong way to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms. In addition to some medications for pain management, we can also assist with referrals for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and prescribe medication to help alleviate stress. Call today at 512-795-7575 to get relief from the pain of fibromyalgia.

Conventional Treatments:

Keeping your muscles and joints moving is essential for long-term recovery. While we do not manage physical therapy programs ourselves, we can perform assessments and refer you to a physical therapy clinic that's right for you as well as massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture therapy. . Call today at 512-795-7575 to get relief from pain of fibromyalgia.