Fibromyalgia Treatments for Back Pain

Fibromyalgia is a condition that encompasses a wide range of symptoms that include pain, fatigue and a hypersensitivity to touch. Though its cause continues to be relatively shrouded in mystery, researchers have found that patients with the disease are predominately women with an abnormally low level of serotonin. Depression, insomnia and stress are also often seen with the condition, but the exact relationship with the aforementioned symptoms and fibromyalgia is unclear.

Although back pain is a common problem experienced by patients with the disease, it is one of the symptoms that can be managed by trying different treatments. The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration in Santa Monica offers a few ways that individuals living with fibromyalgia can work to eliminate or reduce discomfort from back pain.

Physical Therapy

Back pain can often be helped by physical therapy treatments. Gently stretching the arms and back and employing specialized techniques on the body can increase blood flow to the lumbar region and help relieve stiffness and reduce pain.

Gentle Exercise

Though movements can be difficult and painful, working up to performing gentle exercises can help enhance circulation and relieve discomfort. Low-impact activities such as swimming and walking appear to provide the best results.

Medications

Many patients with fibromyalgia are prescribed a daily regimen of serotonin in order to replace depleted levels of the chemical. Pain medications are also prescribed for individuals who have difficulty managing their back pain symptoms with other therapies.

Using a Combined Approach

As researchers continue to study fibromyalgia, they have found that battling some of the symptoms with a combined approach of non-surgical spine treatments may improve the wellbeing of the patient and decrease back pain and other discomfort. Following are a few additional treatments that are being used to combat the illness:

  • Anti-depressant medications
  • Sleep aids
  • Dietary changes
  • Water therapy
  • Biofeedback

Health care providers often treat patients by combining different therapies and adding and removing treatments on a trial basis. Though the process of finding the right combination may take time, it can often result in a treatment program that is individualized for a specific patient’s needs. In cases where the above treatment options and therapy programs have failed, decompression spine surgery may be another option.

To find out if you are a candidate for spine surgery for fibromyalgia, reach out to The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration today. Medical Director Dr. Hyun Bae is a conservative orthopedic surgeon who can help determine the best course of action for treating your specific cause of back pain. For additional information or to request an in-person consultation, call (310) 828-7757.