Fibromyalgia Diagnosis, What Type Of Doctor Treats Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia Getting a Diagnosis
Tender Points
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
For many finding a name, or a diagnosis for a condition that is “hidden” inside an individual, and does not produce outward symptoms can be very difficult.There are no x-rays to be taken, or a single lab test that will conclusively prove that you are indeed suffering as much as you profess.
Fibromyalgia has really only come into main stream medicine in the last 10-20 years. Unfortunately, even as awareness grows, it can be difficult if you are not lucky enough to find a doctor who is familiar with this chronic condition, and the large expanse of symptoms it can produce. As the condition and symptoms can vary vastly from person to person, makes a diagnosis even more difficult.
You will also find that there are many doctors out there who do not have the time or patience to diagnose fibromyalgia properly. Be prepared for those that simply deny that Fibromyalgia is a real condition. They see mostly women, who are depressed, in pain, who’s lives are out of control, appear to need to much care, and they will put the label “nut case” on you, and pass judgment before you leave their office.
In 1990 the College Of Rheumatology AEC developed the criteria for diagnosis. It involves evaluating 11 symptom variables that include sleep disturbances, stress levels, and headaches. The medical community defines a diagnosis if you have had widespread pain for more than a three month period, and demonstrates 11 or more tender points with a physical exam, and then a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be concluded.
Luckily for some suffers you will find a doctor, or therapeutic care giver who due to past experience with other fibromyalgia patients can use a physical exam, and the oral report of the patient to determine a correct diagnosis.
What Is The Best Specialists For Treating Fibromyalgia?
Many times it is not one doctor or one specialist that can help treat your fibromyalgia. It may take a team of specialists to help you manage your fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Treatment Specialists
- Rheumatologists
Family Physicians
OB-Gyn
Gastroenterologist
Psychologists
Neurologists
Doctor of Osteopathy D.O.
Immunologists
Pain Management Specialist
Dietitian
Acupuncturists
Massage Therapists
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapists
Finding the right care giver is a very important aspect of caring for yourself, and managing this chronic condition.
Your Doctor will ask a series of questions about your level of pain, how it affects you, what relieves your pain, your other symptoms, and then they will do a physial exam to detect any outward abnormalities. They will palpate the 18 tender points as discussed earlier. If you display 11 postive tender points out of the 18 that are documented by the American College Of Rheumatology along with other symptoms a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia may be made.
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