Chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are sometimes confused with one another, but understanding their key differences can help you navigate your pain and find the right treatment. A fibromyalgia functional medicine doctor can discuss your symptoms and properly diagnose your condition.
Understanding Chronic Pain Syndrome
An estimated 24.3% of U.S. adults are living with chronic pain. Another 8.5% have high-impact chronic pain, which is pain that greatly limits the ability to do everyday activities.
What Is Chronic Pain Syndrome?
Chronic pain syndrome is pain that lasts for longer than 12 weeks. It can affect any part of the body and may sometimes be felt in a different area from its origin, a phenomenon known as referred pain.
There are many types of chronic pain syndromes. Diabetic neuropathy, radiculopathy, and multiple sclerosis are some of the most common chronic pain syndromes.
Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Pain Syndrome
The underlying cause of chronic pain syndrome can be challenging to pinpoint, as it can be triggered by many different factors. For instance, chronic pain may be caused by a previous illness or infection. Organ damage, an autoimmune disorder, or psychological stress may also cause it.
Symptoms affect each person differently and may include:
- Pain that never goes away
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Reduced mobility
- Depression
- Anxiety
Treatment for Chronic Pain
Conventional treatments for chronic pain typically include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and opioids. These treatments can provide temporary pain relief, but they do not treat the underlying cause of pain.
South Park Functional Medicine uses treatments that can target the root causes of chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. Anti-inflammatory foods, detoxification, and massage are examples of functional medicine treatments that can help restore imbalances contributing to chronic pain and inflammation.
Understanding Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects an estimated four million U.S. adults. It tends to be more common in females than in males.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread body pain, particularly in the joints and muscles. Unlike chronic pain, which usually affects certain parts of the body, fibromyalgia affects the entire body.
There are several types of fibromyalgia disease, or rather, types of pain. Widespread muscle pain is the most common type, but other types include pelvic pain, nerve pain, digestive pain, and headaches.
Causes and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is thought to be caused by problems with how the brain processes pain signals. Other possible causes include genetics, infections, traumatic events, obesity, and some autoimmune conditions.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread body pain
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Stiff muscles and joints
- Numbness and tingling in the limbs
- Sensitivity to noise, light, touch, smells, and temperature
Treatment for Fibromyalgia
The goal of fibromyalgia treatment is to reduce symptoms, especially pain as much as possible. Pain medicines, antidepressants, and sleep aids are common treatments for this condition, but they do not treat its root cause.
Chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia can benefit from many of the same functional medicine treatments. For instance, an anti-inflammatory diet may effectively treat fibromyalgia caused by inflammatory conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. A functional medicine doctor can recommend the best approach.
Is Chronic Pain Syndrome the Same as Fibromyalgia?
In conclusion, chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia share many characteristics, but require different treatment approaches. Chronic pain is long-lasting and can possibly be resolved with treatments that target its root cause. Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management to keep symptoms at bay.
Evidence suggests that people living with fibromyalgia tend to experience greater pain, lower health status, and poorer sleep outcomes compared to people living with chronic pain syndrome. Fibromyalgia is also associated with greater use of pain medications.
South Park Functional Medicine Can Treat Your Pain
If you have chronic pain, our functional medicine doctor in Charlotte, NC, can help. Dr. Mahtani can talk to you in greater detail about chronic pain syndrome vs fibromyalgia and develop a personalized treatment plan to reduce your symptoms. Contact us at 980-414-4600 or email us at reception@southparkfm.com to request a consultation and learn more about the benefits of integrative medicine in Charlotte, NC.
