Why You Should Find a Fibromyalgia Specialist
By Lawrence Edwards

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia may vary slightly from person to person, but in general most people exhibit certain common signs.
If you are experiencing widespread pain throughout your body that lasts for months at a time, along with sleep disturbances, and extreme fatigue that is aggravated by an overall heightened sensitivity to touch over your body, you may be suffering from this condition.
Some of the other common symptoms that you may experience can also include depression, mood changes, anxiety, dizziness, headache, facial pain, bladder irregularities, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness tingling of the hands and feet, TMJ, grinding teeth, dry skin, hair or teeth, and for women... painful menstrual cycles.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
A specialist will perform a variety of tests to help them determine whether you are in fact suffering from this condition, or possibly have something else. There is no one single test for them to perform that can provide an exact diagnosis.
That is why they will have to run a number of tests. You may have blood tests, x-rays and sensitivity tests performed in order for the specialist to determine if you meet the general criteria established for diagnosis.
All that said, many doctors believe that the criteria established for the diagnosis of the disease are actually too debatable. So, you may still receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia even if some of your test results come back normal.
As a general guideline for the criteria, you must experience widespread pain at a minimum of 11 points on your body for at least three months. Your doctor will also examine your past medical history, to help him or her determine whether you indeed are suffering from this disorder.
Treating Fibromyalgia
Treatments for this state will vary from patient to patient, as well as from doctor to doctor.
Each specialist will have their own method of treatment and will evaluate your condition to determine which treatment is best for your individual case.
Generally, treatments will consist of both prescription medication and self-care. You will more than likely have to make certain lifestyle changes in order for your treatment to be successful, and your doctor will instruct you on what changes you will need to make.
While fibromyalgia is not a life-threatening or progressive condition, you will need to seek the treatment of a specialist in order to successfully treat your condition.
This will enable you to live a comfortable and happy life. If you are having a hard time finding a specialist for this condition, there are many resources available to you that can help you to locate one that is in your area.

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