Fibromyalgia medication and treatment online

Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes widespread tenderness and musculoskeletal (joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, etc.) pain throughout the body. Providers and researchers don’t know the exact cause of fibromyalgia. But, studies show that genetic and environmental factors can play a role. Stress and conditions like anxiety, depression, or physical conditions that cause pain can also cause fibromyalgia. 

Living with fibromyalgia can be exhausting and overwhelming. Symptoms can include pain throughout the body that aches, burns, or throbs. It’s not uncommon to have pain in your head, arms and legs, chest, or back. And while fibromyalgia doesn’t cause bone or muscle damage, it can mimic the symptoms of other conditions, including arthritis. 

Other symptoms include headaches, fatigue, sleep problems, digestive issues, stiffness, numbness or tingling, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, and temperature. Issues with concentration, memory, and thinking can lead to something called “fibro fog,” which can include losing your train of thought or feeling confused. 

There are 8 types of fibromyalgia pain. They include:

– Hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain)

–  Headaches or migraines

–  Widespread muscle pain

–  Neuropathic pain

–  Temporomandibular joint pain (also known as TMJ)

–  Digestive pain

–  Pelvic pain

–  Allodynia (severe sensitivity to skin pain)

There’s no cure for fibromyalgia. But, there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, holistic approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle changes. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved 3 medications for fibromyalgia treatment: Lyrica (pregabalin), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Savella (milnacipran). They work by targeting pain pathways in your brain and regulating brain chemicals involved in nervous system functioning. Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella can help alleviate pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive issues. 

Non-pharmacological interventions can alleviate symptoms, too. Getting gentle movement with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga can relieve pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia treatment also prioritizes strategies to improve sleep and eat nutritious meals. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and meditation, help manage stress. Holistic interventions, like acupuncture and massage, may also relieve stress and promote relaxation. CBT can help you develop tools to cope with pain and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.  

You can get fibromyalgia treatment online on Klarity Health. A treatment provider will work with you to understand your symptoms and create a treatment plan that addresses your needs. If your provider recommends therapy and medication, you’ll see a different provider for each service.

Online fibromyalgia doctors and healthcare providers include medical doctors (MDs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants/associates (PAs). MDs, NPs, and PAs can work with you for a diagnosis if needed and create a tailored fibromyalgia treatment plan. They can also prescribe fibromyalgia medication if it’s a medically necessary part of your care.

Fibromyalgia providers specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. While any qualified healthcare provider can diagnose fibromyalgia and prescribe medication, a fibromyalgia provider can perform a more in-depth evaluation. They’re often more knowledgeable about treatment options as well.

You can search marketplace services, like Klarity Health, to find a licensed online fibromyalgia doctor or healthcare provider for medication and/or therapy. Note that if your treatment includes both therapy and medication, you’ll see a different provider for each service.