What doctor can diagnose fibromyalgia?

First Steps. Your family doctor may be able to tell you have fibromyalgia if they're familiar with the condition. But you'll probably want to see a rheumatologist, a doctor who's an expert in problems with joints, muscles, and bones.


What is the best doctor to see for fibromyalgia?

Rheumatologists are internists who specialize in treating arthritis and diseases of the joints, muscles, and soft tissues. Rheumatologists, arguably more than any other physician, closely follow fibromyalgia developments and will likely have the best knowledge base on the condition.

What kind of doctor can diagnose and treat fibromyalgia?

Who Can Diagnose Fibromyalgia. A family practice physician, internist, or rheumatologist can diagnose fibromyalgia. In some cases, the patient is referred to a rheumatologist for a diagnosis after being examined by a family practice physician or internist.


Should I see a rheumatologist or neurologist for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed and managed by a rheumatologist, which is an internal medicine doctor who has specialized training in joint and musculoskeletal diseases. Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed and managed by a neurologist, which is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the brain and nervous system.

How do doctors know if you have fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based primarily on having pain all over the body, along with other symptoms. Currently, there are no specific laboratory or imaging tests for fibromyalgia.


How do we diagnose fibromyalgia



What are the 7 signs of fibromyalgia?

What are the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia?
  • Pain and stiffness all over the body.
  • Fatigue and tiredness.
  • Depression and anxiety.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration.
  • Headaches, including migraines.


Can I ask my doctor to test me for fibromyalgia?

If you can't get to a pain specialist or rheumatologist because there isn't one available in your area right away, talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms and mention that you think it could be fibromyalgia. They could try to diagnose it themselves and treat the symptoms to see if that helps.

What is the drug of choice for fibromyalgia?

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is sometimes helpful in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms, while pregabalin (Lyrica) was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia.


What can be misdiagnosed for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia may be mistaken for one of the following six conditions, among others:
  • Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
  • Hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's disease.
  • Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis)
  • Myofacial pain.


Is there a blood test for fibromyalgia?

There are no lab tests that can diagnose fibromyalgia. However, because many other conditions have symptoms similar to those or fibromyalgia, your doctor may order tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

What are the 8 symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Individuals with fibromyalgia may also experience these symptoms:
  • Moderate to severe fatigue.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Joint stiffness.
  • Headaches.
  • Tingling, numbness, or a burning or prickling sensation in hands and feet.
  • Painful menstrual periods.
  • Irritable bowel.
  • Problems with thinking and memory.


Can a rheumatologist tell you if you have fibromyalgia?

However, because fibromyalgia can cause chronic pain and fatigue similar to arthritis, some people may advise you to see a rheumatologist. As a result, often a rheumatologist detects this disease (and rules out rheumatic diseases).

Is fibromyalgia autoimmune or Neurological?

Fibromyalgia Might Be an Autoimmune Disorder, A New Study Says. Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition commonly thought to originate in the brain, might actually be a disorder of the immune system, according to a new study.

What is the newest treatment for fibromyalgia?

Specifically, laser photo-biomodulation therapy has reportedly been effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. Evidence suggests the benefits of laser therapy in female fibromyalgia patients. The treatment was designed to improve patients' pain outcomes and upper body range of motion.


What are the trigger points for fibromyalgia?

The trigger point locations are:
  • Front lower sides of your neck.
  • Upper chest.
  • Inner elbows.
  • Just above inner knees.
  • Back of your head.
  • Top of the shoulders.
  • Upper back (at shoulder blades)
  • Upper buttock.


Can you get disability for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the harder conditions to get approved for as a disability in the United States. Because the symptoms are often self-reported, you'll need medical documents and a doctor to support your case. However, it's possible to have a successful claim for FM.

Can fibromyalgia affect the eyes?

Fibromyalgia can be associated with ocular symptoms (foreign body sensation, irritation) and visual disturbances (blurred vision), coexisting with dry eye syndrome and reduced corneal sensitivity. Cases of scleritis, including the necrotizing form, accompanying fibromyalgia have been reported.


What is the best muscle relaxer for fibromyalgia?

Tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine are muscle relaxants that help treat muscle pain from fibromyalgia.

What are the 3 medications for fibromyalgia?

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are FDA-approved to specifically treat fibromyalgia.

What is first line treatment for fibromyalgia?

Pharmacologic. Medications currently indicated for the treatment of fibromyalgia include duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin. Medications with off-label use include amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine, gabapentin, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine.


At what age is fibromyalgia usually diagnosed?

Fibromyalgia affects as many as 4 million Americans 18 and older. The average age range at which fibromyalgia is diagnosed is 35 to 45 years old, but most people have had symptoms, including chronic pain, that started much earlier in life.

Where is fibromyalgia pain usually felt?

If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.

What a fibromyalgia flare feels like?

A fibromyalgia attack is also known as a flare-up. An attack can come on suddenly and cause mild to severe pain. These attacks may cause aching, burning, throbbing, or stabbing.


What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?

If you avoid treating fibromyalgia, you may descend into a spiral. The chronic pain and fatigue limits your physical activities and exercise. That, in turn, weakens your body. You may begin to feel isolated, fearful, suspicious, lonely, and afraid, which can strain relationships.

How serious is fibromyalgia?

People with fibromyalgia are more likely to be hospitalized because of pain, fatigue or mental health symptoms. You're also more likely to experience memory problems and have trouble concentrating.