Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects thousands of Americans each year and is characterized by aching and body pain. Unfortunately for those who experience this syndrome, it does more than just zap energy – it’s a disease that can take over day-to-day activities and even make getting out of bed in the morning strenuous.

Fibromyalgia is a fairly new condition and doctors are still learning the best ways to treat it. The staff at Tindle and Associates works with our patients to determine the best course of action for treatment.

What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is characterized by long-term, body-wide pain, as well as tender points in muscles and other soft tissues. This includes tissues and muscles in the chest, knees, arms, lower back, neck, rib cage, shoulders, thighs, and buttocks. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or in conjunction with conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia? Those with fibromyalgia can experience a variety of symptoms throughout their body. The most common is body-wide pain with tender points that can mimic the pain that occurs with arthritis. Patients describe the pain as radiating, shooting, and burning at a mild to severe level. Most experience the pain throughout the day, while others claim it subsides during the day and increases in the evening.

Other symptoms include:

• Numbness and tingling
• Reduced tolerance for exercise
• Memory difficulty
• Fatigue
• Chronic muscle pain
• Body aches
• Areas of tenderness in the neck, lower back, hips, elbows, knees, and shoulders

What causes fibromyalgia? Although several things have been suggested, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Some evidence suggests that physical or emotional trauma plays a role in the development, while others feel that sleep disturbances can cause the syndrome. Others still believe that the disorder is associated with changes in the skeletal muscle metabolism and decreased blood flow.

How does Tindle & Associates treat fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia treatment at Tindle & Associates involves therapeutic bodywork which is highly in tune with the patient’s pain process. Too much treatment or treatment that is too deep leads to increased pain. But, just the right amount and type of hands-on treatment accelerates healing.

In addition to the hands-on work, the patient is carefully coached through exercise and activity tolerance. Many people with this diagnosis have great difficulty managing their level of activity. If they overdo it, they run the risk of being in severe pain for days because their bodies don’t recover well. Fibromyalgia requires a multifaceted approach for successful healing. Patients will be coached in nutritional elements, cognitive behavioral skills, sleep strategies, and adaptive techniques for work and home, as well as exercise.

Advantages of Fibromyalgia Treatment in Austin
Seeking fibromyalgia treatment in Austin has its advantages.  You’re never too far from world renowned entertainment. Whether you are just visiting or a resident “Austinite,” you can find places to go and things to see in Austin every day of the week.  As the state capitol of Texas, it is rich in history and a hub for the art scene.  Bike enthusiast or not, there’s no denying the naturally scenic landscape makes Austin ideal for accommodating many outdoor activities.  Strolling around award-winning parks, picnicking at Lady Bird Lake, and exploring the nightlife on Sixth Street are not to be missed.  And thanks to creative types attending the University of Texas, art and music events keep Austin’s calendar full of opportunities to experience the “Live Music Capitol of the World.”