Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that significantly impacts a person’s physical and emotional health. The condition affects millions of people each year. If left untreated, fibromyalgia can interfere with rehabilitation and long-term recovery. Fibromyalgia treatment at Driftwood Recovery is available as part of our integrative care and tailored treatment plans. Clinicians use evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to address substance use disorder (SUD) and dual diagnosis. We provide pain therapy and other treatments to ensure clients have a positive rehabilitation experience.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a form of arthritis that affects pain regulation and causes a wide range of symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “People with fibromyalgia are more likely to:
End up in the hospital.
Experience a lower quality of life.
Have major depressive disorders.
Have other types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.”
Fibromyalgia may cause musculoskeletal pain, cognitive problems, and other health issues. The condition cannot be cured. However, individuals with fibromyalgia can successfully manage their condition and reduce many of the symptoms through various treatments, including physical therapy and holistic pain management.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread chronic pain
- Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Extreme difficulty concentrating and “brain fog”
The pain people experience may be diffuse, sharp, or severe. Fibromyalgia requires a medical diagnosis, and symptoms may manifest differently depending on multiple factors, including co-occurring conditions.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia may co-occur with other medical conditions, making it more challenging to diagnose. Some of the most frequently co-occurring health issues include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Migraines
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
- Low back pain
- Bladder pain syndrome (BPS)
Often, individuals with fibromyalgia also experience anxiety, depressive episodes, and other mental health symptoms.
Risk Factors and the Evaluation Process for Fibromyalgia Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
A few of the risk factors for fibromyalgia include age and a history of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Some studies indicate the following risk factors may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia:
- Gender
- Emotional or physical trauma
- Chronic stress
- Repetitive injuries
- Family history of fibromyalgia
- Obesity
- Some viral illnesses
Researchers are uncertain of the exact causes of fibromyalgia. A combination of genetic, environmental, and cognitive risk factors may contribute.
Conventional Medical Fibromyalgia Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery collaborates with healthcare providers and other medical professionals to ensure clients with fibromyalgia receive the best care. Some conventional treatments for fibromyalgia include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, physical therapy, and pain relief medication. The clinical team provides clients with the information they need to make educated decisions about their care.
Medication Management for Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Chronic pain and fatigue are some of the primary symptoms experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia. Medication management is one of the most common methods for addressing chronic pain and other symptoms of the condition.
Some of the prescription medications used to treat fibromyalgia include:
- Antidepressants to help manage pain and reduce fatigue
- Antiseizure medications to decrease nerve pain
- Sleep aids to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue
- Muscle relaxants to reduce stiffness
Medication management is an essential part of treatment and aftercare for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder and fibromyalgia.
The Benefits of Exercise and Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia Patients
Physical therapy improves the quality of life for clients with fibromyalgia and addresses various types of pain. Exercise improves overall health, increases the range of motion, and helps the body combat the effects of chronic pain. Physical therapy directly addresses chronic neck and back pain through gentle manipulation of the body and core strengthening exercises.
Some of the techniques used to improve flexibility and manage muscle pain include:
- Heat and cold therapy
- Deep tissue massage
- Low-impact aerobic conditioning
- Electrical stimulation
- Strengthening exercises
Fitness routines improve overall health, decrease the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, and reduce the risk of relapse. Free time during recovery can lead to stress or boredom. Filling free time with healthy activities that improve mental and physical wellness increases the effectiveness of treatment programs.
Holistic Approaches to Fibromyalgia Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Complementary and holistic therapies often provide additional relief from chronic pain. Some of the holistic approaches available to clients at Driftwood Recovery include:
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
Driftwood Recovery uses a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies to help people heal from the effects of chronic substance abuse and co-occurring health conditions. Treatment programs provide clients with the skills to cope with chronic pain and improve mental health while maintaining sobriety.
Mental Health and Coping Strategies for Fibromyalgia
A person’s mental health impacts how they think about their circumstances and recovery goals. Creating realistic expectations is more manageable when people use healthy coping strategies to manage co-occurring conditions affecting their mental and physical wellness.
The experts at Driftwood Recovery help clients manage depression, anxiety, and mood disorders using a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Counseling and therapy sessions support overall wellness and prepare clients for long-term recovery.
A Comprehensive Approach to Fibromyalgia Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Addiction recovery and mental health professionals at Driftwood Recovery focus on the whole person when creating treatment plans, allowing them to address fibromyalgia and other conditions while assisting clients with overcoming addictive behaviors. The clinical team integrates prescription medications, physical therapy, and holistic modalities to address dual diagnosis and provide relief from chronic pain. A comprehensive approach to client care protects individuals in recovery from potential complications during treatment and aftercare.
How Driftwood Recovery Improves the Quality of Life for Fibromyalgia Patients
Individuals living with fibromyalgia may find it challenging to feel motivated during recovery. Chronic pain and emotional distress cause some clients to struggle with feeling ambivalent about their treatment and recovery. Our rehabilitation programs take into consideration the significant setbacks people may face due to co-occurring fibromyalgia, creating effective strategies for managing them.
Driftwood Recovery believes everyone deserves the care and support they need to regain control of their lives. Rehabilitation programs connect clients with essential treatment services and prepare them for lasting sobriety. Clients who take advantage of holistic services and other support offered at Driftwood Recovery experience a better quality of life and a reduced risk of relapse. Clinicians carefully tailor treatment plans to ensure clients receive the highest level of care and support that fosters lasting recovery.
Fibromyalgia is not a degenerative condition, and many people experience significant improvements after receiving a clinical diagnosis and treatment. Driftwood Recovery offers pain management services for individuals in rehabilitation. To learn more about our programs, contact us today at (512) 759-8330.
Contact us
Break the cycle of suffering through surrender.
Contact Driftwood Recovery today to get more information or schedule a tour.