Fibromyalgia and CRPS are both chronic pain syndromes. They have a history of being confused for one another; however, they are two distinct disorders. Fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome, also called reflex sympathetic dystrophy, were both medical mysteries for a long time. These conditions cause severe and constant pain, and sadly, they have no known cure.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on the symptoms of each condition, how they’re diagnosed and how to cope with these conditions.
What Is Chronic Pain Syndrome?
Ordinary pain should go away after the illness or injury has healed. But when it comes to chronic pain syndrome, the pain can last months or even years. Most of the time, chronic pain is caused by something, and other times, it has no identifiable cause. With time, chronic pain starts to affect your mental and physical health.
Symptoms Of Chronic Pain Syndrome
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Burning sensation
- Mood swings
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder that’s associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain. Illness, injury, or surgical procedures can trigger fibromyalgia symptoms. . But often, fibromyalgia starts without any clear root cause. Many people experiencing this condition suffer tension headaches, digestive issues, anxiety, depression, and TMJ.
Like CRPS, fibromyalgia is a complex condition to understand and treat. Some researchers think that repeated nerve stimulation changes the brain. Consequently, the brain’s pain receptors become more sensitive and signal pain in response to non-painful events.
There is no singular known cause for fibromyalgia, but scientists have found some connections between nerve damage and fibromyalgia. For instance, individuals with certain infections or who have experienced physical or emotional trauma are more likely to develop fibromyalgia. The disorder could also be hereditary, meaning their genes may play a role in developing fibromyalgia.
Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia
- Widespread pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
- Cognitive difficulties
Differences Between Chronic Pain Syndrome And Fibromyalgia?
Although the symptoms may appear similar, chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are not the same kinds of disorders. With CRPS, there’s usually a cause of pain or a type of trigger like an injury.
In contrast, fibromyalgia usually happens without a clear cause. Even if a thorough examination was carried out on your body, the doctors still couldn’t find any cause of pain, like a damaged nerve or torn tissue. But when this examination is carried out for CRPS, a reason for the pain may be discovered.
How To Cope With Chronic Pain
Dealing with chronic pain daily affects your mental and physical health. It’s hard to remain optimistic. However, there are ways you can cope with chronic pain. Emotional pain can worsen physical pain, so it’s essential to be careful of your mental health.
Here are some tips for coping with chronic pain:
- Maintain your relationships
- Focus on positive things
- Seek counseling
- Join a support group
- Engage in activities and hobbies.
- Stay active
Conclusion
It’s not easy to cope with complex regional pain syndrome or fibromyalgia. These conditions can be caused by illnesses or injuries and sometimes appear without warning. It can be hard to find a treatment, but ketamine infusions can help. Ketamine inhibits the NMDA pain receptors from sending pain signals throughout your nervous system. Ketamine infusion therapy can help you get back to a life without pain. Contact us today to learn more!
