Fibromyalgia Specialist

Johnston Pain Management, P.A.

Pain Management located in Jacksonville, NC, Sneads Ferry, NC, & New Bern, NC

If you struggle with fibromyalgia, you know that effective relief is elusive and every day you spend in pain takes a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health. When you need treatments that work, it's time to turn to the team at Johnston Pain Management, P.A. They specialize in integrative care, offering today's most advanced pain management treatments, as well as expert psychological care that helps you cope with the pain and depression. To get exceptional fibromyalgia care, call one of the offices in Jacksonville, New Bern, or Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, or book an appointment online today.

Fibromyalgia Q & A

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia causes aches and pain throughout your body. As a chronic pain syndrome, a range of symptoms indicate fibromyalgia, including:

Widespread pain in your muscles and other soft tissues
Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with sleep
Sensitivity to temperature, lights, and noises
Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
Tingling or burning sensations in your arms and legs
Memory loss
Headaches
Depression
Anxiety

Fibromyalgia symptoms often flare up in response to triggers like stress or changes in weather. Many people have such severe pain and fatigue that they can’t work, socialize, or engage in the activities they enjoy.

What causes fibromyalgia?

A family history of fibromyalgia increases your risk of developing the condition. People with fibromyalgia also process pain differently, possibly due to low levels of certain brain chemicals.

These biochemical changes make you more sensitive to pain. As a result, you develop severe pain from triggers that don't usually cause pain.

How do pain specialists treat fibromyalgia?

Your provider diagnoses fibromyalgia based on your symptoms and a physical exam. In some cases, they may order blood tests to rule out other conditions that might cause the same symptoms.

Your individualized treatment plan may include:

Exercise

Gentle exercise helps relieve the pain. However, you also need to learn the best type of exercise for you and know when you should rest rather than exercise.

Medications

Several medications ease fibromyalgia symptoms. Cymbalta® and Savella® balance brain chemicals, while Lyrica® relieves nerve and muscle pain. Your provider may prescribe other medicines that target specific symptoms, such as muscle cramps.

Interventional treatments

When your pain doesn't improve with medication, your provider recommends interventional treatments such as spinal cord stimulation, nerve blocks, joint injections, epidural steroid injections, occipital nerve stimulation, and trigger point injections.

Interventional treatments effectively ease pain by blocking nerve signals sending pain messages, reducing inflammation, and relaxing tight muscles.

Psychological support

The clinical psychologists at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., can help with many aspects of fibromyalgia. The team teaches you about the disease and how to avoid triggers. They also provide therapy to help you deal with pain and overcome challenges arising from constant pain, such as anxiety and depression.

You can get relief from fibromyalgia by consulting the compassionate team at Johnston Pain Management, P.A. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.

What we offer