What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the entire musculoskeletal system. It’s not just “aches and pains” — it’s a real, medically recognized disorder in which people experience widespread pain, tenderness, fatigue, and other symptoms that can dramatically affect quality of life.
At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, our board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional pain specialists care for many patients living with fibromyalgia across Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. With more than 40 locations throughout the Southeast, we combine advanced, minimally invasive pain treatments with compassionate, personalized care to help patients rediscover comfort and function in their daily lives.
Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, often described as a constant, dull ache or burning/stabbing sensation that can affect both sides of the body, above and below the waist. Many patients also experience heightened sensitivity, where even light touch or pressure can feel painful.
Common symptoms include:
– Widespread muscle and joint pain
– Tender points or areas that are very sensitive to pressure
– Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting for too long
– Profound fatigue or feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep
– Sleep problems, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
– “Fibro-fog” — difficulty with memory, focus, and concentration
– Headaches, jaw pain, or facial pain
– Heightened sensitivity to temperature, noise, and bright lights
– Mood changes, including anxiety and depression related to chronic pain
Fibromyalgia symptoms can flare and ease over time. Stress, poor sleep, weather changes, illness, or overexertion can all worsen symptoms, which is why an ongoing, supportive relationship with a pain management team is so important.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, but research suggests that it involves changes in the way the brain and spinal cord process pain and sensory signals. This altered processing is often referred to as “central sensitization,” meaning the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain over time.
Contributing factors may include:
– Genetics — fibromyalgia can run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
– Physical or emotional trauma — car accidents, surgeries, injuries, or major life stressors may trigger or worsen symptoms.
– Infections or illnesses — certain infections may precede the onset of fibromyalgia.
– Other chronic pain or autoimmune conditions — some people develop fibromyalgia alongside other health problems.
Because fibromyalgia doesn’t show up on standard X-rays or blood tests, it is often diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and the exclusion of other conditions. This makes it especially important to work with providers who are experienced in evaluating complex pain conditions like fibromyalgia.
How Fibromyalgia Is Treated
There is currently no single “cure” for fibromyalgia, but the right combination of treatments can significantly reduce symptoms, improve function, and help patients lead fuller lives. At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, we follow a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that may include:
Lifestyle and movement strategies:
– Gentle, consistent exercise such as walking, stretching, yoga, or aquatic therapy
– Physical therapy focused on flexibility, strength, posture, and body mechanics
– Education on pacing activities, avoiding overexertion, and managing flare-ups
Medication management:
– Medications that target nerve signaling and pain sensitivity
– Sleep-supportive medications when appropriate
– Careful review of current medications to reduce side effects and improve overall symptom control
Mind–body and behavioral support:
– Stress-management techniques, relaxation training, and breathing exercises
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or other evidence-based approaches to help with coping, mood, and sleep
– Practical strategies for managing work, household responsibilities, and relationships while living with chronic pain
Interventional and advanced pain management options:
– Evaluation for minimally invasive procedures when appropriate, especially when fibromyalgia overlaps with other spine or joint conditions
– Coordination with other specialists for related issues such as arthritis, spine problems, migraines, or neuropathic pain
– Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of your plan to find the most effective combination of therapies
Because fibromyalgia affects each person differently, treatment success is rarely about one single therapy. Instead, it comes from a tailored, long-term plan and a team that listens, understands, and adjusts as your needs change — exactly the type of care Summit Spine & Joint Centers is built to provide.
Why Summit Spine & Joint Centers for Fibromyalgia Care?
Summit Spine & Joint Centers was designed around one core mission: to help people living with acute and chronic pain regain their quality of life. Fibromyalgia is one of many complex pain conditions we treat, alongside spine disorders, joint pain, nerve pain, and cancer-related pain.
Here are a few key reasons patients with fibromyalgia choose Summit Spine & Joint Centers:
– Board-certified, fellowship-trained pain specialists who focus exclusively on interventional pain medicine
– State-of-the-art, minimally invasive techniques aimed at reducing pain and improving function
– A broad range of non-surgical treatments tailored to each individual
– A compassionate, team-based approach that treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis
– Locations throughout Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina for convenient access to care
Our physicians have extensive training in fluoroscopically guided spine and joint procedures and other advanced techniques that may be helpful when fibromyalgia overlaps with spine disease, arthritic joints, or past surgical pain. We work closely with physical therapists, referring physicians, and other providers to build a well-rounded plan that supports every aspect of your health.
What to Expect When You See Summit Spine for Fibromyalgia
If you schedule a visit with Summit Spine & Joint Centers for fibromyalgia, you can expect a thorough and patient-centered experience:
Comprehensive evaluation
– Detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and prior treatments
– Assessment of sleep, mood, activity level, and daily challenges
– Physical examination and, when appropriate, imaging or additional tests to evaluate for other pain generators
Personalized treatment plan
– Clear explanation of the likely contributors to your pain
– A step-by-step plan that may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, and interventional options
– Time for your questions and concerns, so your goals drive the treatment approach
Ongoing follow-up and support
– Regular check-ins to evaluate what is working, what is not, and how we can refine your plan
– Support for managing flares, stressful seasons, or new health challenges
– Coordination with your primary care provider and other specialists as needed
Long-term partnership
– Education about fibromyalgia and tools to better understand your condition
– Encouragement and accountability as you build new habits that support your health
– A focus on restoring the activities and experiences that matter most to you
Living with Fibromyalgia: Small Steps That Add Up
Living with fibromyalgia can be overwhelming, especially when you feel dismissed or misunderstood. At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, we recognize that your pain is real, your symptoms are complex, and your story is unique.
Some practical everyday strategies that often help our patients include:
– Building a consistent sleep routine and protecting your sleep environment
– Prioritizing low-impact movement most days of the week, even in short sessions
– Breaking tasks into smaller steps and taking scheduled rest breaks
– Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or guided imagery
– Connecting with supportive friends, family members, or support groups
– Keeping a simple journal of symptoms and triggers to share with your care team
While lifestyle changes cannot replace medical care, they can significantly enhance the benefits of your treatment plan and give you more control over day-to-day life with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Care Across Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina
Summit Spine & Joint Centers proudly serves patients with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions across the Southeast. With more than 40 locations in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, high-quality, specialized pain care is closer than you may think.
Whether you are in metro Atlanta, Chattanooga, Savannah, the Upstate region, or another nearby community, our team is committed to providing convenient access to advanced, minimally invasive pain management. We understand the unique lifestyles and demands of patients in these areas — from physically demanding jobs to long commutes and active family lives — and we tailor our care plans accordingly.
If you or someone you love is living with widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that sound like fibromyalgia, you do not have to continue struggling alone. Our experienced team is ready to listen, evaluate, and create a plan designed specifically for you.
To learn more about fibromyalgia care at Summit Spine & Joint Centers or to find the location nearest you, visit wordpress-1181349-5469774.cloudwaysapps.com or call us at (770) 962-3642 to schedule your appointment. Together, we can work toward reducing your pain, improving your function, and helping you reclaim the activities that make life meaningful.