Answer: Some individuals do describe some problems expressing themselves when in a flareup or if not getting a sufficient amount of sleep. The non medical term fibro fog has been used to describe some of the cognitive symptoms that individuals living with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia often face. However, it is critical that other causes for these symptoms get ruled out. In addition, the effects of some medications, chronic pain, chronic insomnia and depression can also contribute to these symtoms and all can be treated.

Question: I WAS DIAGNOSED 2 YEARS AGO WITH FIBROMYALGIA. I NOW HAVE SEVERE PAIN IN MY KNUCKLES. THEY ARE KNOTTY AND HURT TO TOUCH. IS THIS PART OF FIBROMYALGIA OR AM I LOOKING AT ARTHRITIS??? -

Answer: Although I can not say for sure without a proper medical evaluation, if the problem is specifically localized to the knuckles it likely we are looking at something other than Fibromyalgia. We do know that even if you have another painful medical condition such as arthritis, having fibromyalgia can magnify the symptoms of this other diagnosis. I would suggest that you see your physician or appropriate specialist for a formal evaluation.

Question: Once having an operation for carpal tunnel syndrome, can the same problem reoccur? -

Answer: Although surgery is generally very effective if done before significant and permanent nerve damage occurs, it is possible for a carpal syndrome to re-occur if the same underlying cause has not changed

Question: Can you have severe pain in your back and chest? -

Answer: Assuming that we know for sure that the pain in the back and chest is related specifically to a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, these are common locations. However, if the pain is limited to just those locations and not in other typical parts of the body, then it is unlikely that we are looking at Fibromyalgia as the cause. By definition, Fibromyalgia symptoms generally occur above and below the waist and on both sides of the body, even if there is some asymmetry of symptoms.

Question: I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia - in addition to the "Tender Points " I get knots and hard lumps in my legs and arms - They are extremely painful- so much so that if someone just takes my arm to talk to me- it can make me cry- and I have always had a high tolerance for pain before having fibromyalgia. I always have some of these hard knots - but they come & go. Sometimes there is just a couple - other times there seem to be a hundred. What are they and what causes them? Most importantly - is there something I can do to get rid of them ? Thanks Sue -

Answer: As always it is important to have your physician check out any lumps that you may have. However, it is very common for someone with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to describe knots and hard lumps that are very painful and may vary in location. They are often associated with trigger points which certainly can be very painful. Although the underying cause is still uncertain, there are several different strategies and approaches that can be helpful as part of an individualized treatment program with a specialist most familiar with the treatment of Fibromyalgia. Certainly, an appropriate exercise program under the intitial direction of a physical therapist could be helpful with myofascial release being applied when appropriate. Massage therapy with someone famiiar with this condition is also useful. For more localized areas trigger points injection in combination with exercise can be helpful. In my program we also utilize acupuncture, chiropractic, mind/body options and dietary modifications to assist our patients.

Question: How can fibromyalgia affect someone other than having trouble sleeping and having trouble going to work? -

Answer: Individuals living with Fibromyalgia often suffer from a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom of course is generalized pain. Fatigue and problems with focus and concencentration are also common symptoms. Since there is often a hypersensitivity to the environment individuals often report extreme sensitivity to heat, cold, odors, chemicals,light, certain foods and to other potential allergens. Given the nature of symptoms depression may also be associated with this condition.

Question: Does repetitive work such as sign language interpreting increase the chance of flare ups for people with Fibromyalgia? -

Answer: There is always the potential for any work that requires an activity of a repetitive nature to contribute to a flareup of symptoms in susceptible individuals. Often with some modification of the activity with periods of rest the task could be better tolerated.

Question: Can fibromyalgia become so severe as to require the use of a wheelchair to get around? -

Answer: The vast majority of patients with Fibromyalgia do not require a wheelchair or an assistive device to get around. There are some people who do have more difficulties geting around in the community especially at times they are experiencing a flareup and may use a wheelchair. These individuals are in the minority and often have other medical conditions in addition to Fibromyalgia that compounds their disability. The critical point, is that many of the symptoms can be effectively managed with an appropriate indvidualized treatment program.

Question: Does fibromyalgia affect your vision? Some days everything is blurry and other days not. -

Answer: Although Fibromyalgia could indirectly affect vision, it is always essential to be evaluated by your medical doctor and have yours eyes examined by a licensed Optometrist or Opthalmologist to rule out a primary eye condition. Certain eye conditions that affect vision can contribute to headaches and can aggravate other Fibromyalgia symptoms if not appropriately treated. We also know that fatigue which is all too common with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia can further contribute to visual concerns.

Question: Does a positive ANA test also mean I have fibromyalgia? -

Answer: At present there is no definitive blood test for Fibromyalgia. A positive ANA is often used as a screening blood test for Lupus, but by itself is not very specific and needs to be correlated with other lab tests and the patients history and physical exam.

Question: Does fibromalgia cause severe pain in the legs.I have pain in both legs,ankles,knees,hips. -

Answer: Although pain can be caused by many different conditions, which should be evaluated by your physician, Fibromyalgia commonly causes pain that is widespread. By definition, generalized leg pain in both legs would be included with symptoms of body pain.

Question: after 20 yrs of suffering without any real answers I was dx with fibromyalgia, I also get migraines, dx with sleep apnea and have occassional problems with irritable bowel. My pcp dx me and sent me to a rheumatologist who also said it was fibro...I would like to know what types of programs you have for someone like me. I would be interested in learning more about how to live a better life. I also wonder if you have support groups that meet during the day. -

Answer: The services we offer are outlined on this web site. We provide an individualized comprehensive interdisciplinary approach with a focus on non medication options. We also emphasize through both education and support patient empowerment. A thorough review of the medical record and history in conjunction with an initial consultation will also help to determine whether any additional testing is indicated. Although most of the Mind/Body groups are held in the evening we do have the ability to provide 1:1 counselling and support during the day with one of our practitioners. We are available by phone to answer any specific questions about our program and practice.

Question: Is Fibromyalgia and arthritis the same thing? -

Answer: By definition arthritis is a collection of conditions that affect the joint specifically with usually some degree of local inflammation. Although both arthritis and fibromyalgia may coexist, they are different conditions. There are many different forms of arthritis with osteoarthritis being the most common. Fibromyalgia is a very different condition, since the the poblem is not with the joints but as best we understand it with the lowered threshold within the nervous system for sensitivity to many different forms of stimulation. This most commonly includes tactile stimulation or touch. Even slight touch or motion can cause a perception of pain throughout the body. Tender points are often present around the tendons and soft tissues throughout the body and could be confused with arthritis because of the close proximity to the joints for some people. Please see the more detailed definition and description of Fibromyalgia on this web site.

Question: Three monthes ago I was taken off pain meds. My back and neck is tingling, burning, and hurting. I feeling extremly jumpy and uncomfortable. They put me on clonopin 1 at night. I am not sure if this is fibro or I need more time to recover from being on pain medication for 1 year. -

Answer: Although pain and discomfort could be more localized ie back and neck, symptoms tend to be more widespread and have to be present for at least 3 months or greater. It sounds as though you need to review this with your physician or specialist for a more complete assessment. The diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is made by both history of generalized total body pain and by tender point exam done by a practitioner familiar with this condition.

Question: How does chiropractic medicine work and how does it help? Also is it covered by health insurance? -

Answer: To attempt to summarize the field of Chiropractic medicine in a brief response would not do the field justice. However, chiropractic is a conservative and natural approach to obtaining pain relief, increased range of motion with a focus on the proper balance and alignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system in general. Many practitioner as is the case in our practice also include an emphasis on an appropriate individualized exercise and nutritional program. Although every insurance policy is different, it is generally covered by most health insurance. You would need to check your policy for specific details of coverage.