Pain Management for Fibromyalgia - Neuropathic Pain - Osteoarthritis
Posted on Wed, Apr 29, 2009 @ 03:35 PM
Pain management generally benefits from a multidisciplinary approach that includes pharmacologic treatments. Following are three common types of pain you might experience, and how you might be able to expand your treatment options.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.
Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or along with other musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually cause the condition. Another theory suggests that the disorder may be associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, possibly caused by decreased blood flow, which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness.
The pharmacists at Bayview Pharmacy may be able to help you alleviate fibromyalgia pain.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain results from damage to or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system, rather than stimulation of pain receptors. Diagnosis is suggested by pain out of proportion to tissue injury, dysesthesia (eg, burning, tingling), and signs of nerve injury detected during neurologic examination.
Pain can develop after injury to any level of the nervous system, peripheral or central; the sympathetic nervous system may be involved (causing sympathetically maintained pain). Although neuropathic pain responds to opioids, treatment is often with adjuvant drugs (eg, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, baclofen, topical drugs).
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body. It most commonly occurs in the weight bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine. It can also affect the fingers, thumb, neck, and large toe. It usually does not affect other joints unless previous injury or excessive stress is involved.
Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in a joint to become stiff and lose its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in some areas, greatly decreasing its ability to act as a shock absorber. As the cartilage deteriorates, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. If the condition worsens, the bones could rub against each other.
Many people are unable to take the most common forms of medicine to treat osteoarthritis due to their untenable side effects. Thanks to their unique capabilities Bayview Pharmacy can help to change that.
If you are suffering from any of these types of pain, talk to your medical provider about a treatment strategy that involves prescription compounding. If your medical provider is unable or unwilling to discuss compounding as a treatment strategy, contact us and we may be able to assist you.