Does Fibromyalgia Pain Change Over Time?

Fibromyalgia is still a somewhat mysterious syndrome, and that can be frustrating. If you’re living with pain from this condition, you’re probably craving answers and consistency. 

Unfortunately, when living with fibro, both can be elusive. Your pain, along with other symptoms, might change over time.

Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate those changes alone. Dr. Jonathan Carlson and our team offer dedicated care for fibromyalgia. Here at Hawai’i Pain & Spine, Dr. Carlson tailors a pain management plan to you and your symptoms.

Visit us on the Windward side of O’ahu in Kailua, Hawai’i. We can work with you to make your symptoms more manageable, even as your pain changes over time. 

The good news: It doesn’t necessarily get worse

The ups and downs of fibro can be concerning. There’s a bright spot, though. Fibromyalgia isn’t a progressive condition. The current body of research shows that it doesn’t get worse with aging or over time in general. 

If you notice your fibro pain getting worse, don’t panic. It likely won’t be that way forever. Instead, you’re probably experiencing a flare-up. 

The mixed news: Symptoms can come and go

With fibromyalgia, symptoms (including pain) can periodically worsen. Fibro flares tend to last a few days, and you might deal with them every month or so. 

The factors that trigger a flare can vary, but they often tend to be stress-based. Pay attention to things in your life that shift before you experience worsening pain (e.g., work stress, problems with sleep, relationship challenges). 

Identifying triggers can help you better manage them, lowering your likelihood of future flares. 

Flares are one end of the spectrum; on the other lies remission. About half of people achieve remission, or a lasting abatement of their fibromyalgia symptoms. 

Long story short, fibromyalgia pain often changes over time. However, that doesn’t mean you have no control over the way you feel. 

Finding relief from your fibromyalgia pain

Working with Dr. Carlson can help you find a treatment plan that minimizes your flares and moderates your symptoms.

For most people, managing fibro means lifestyle changes paired with pain management techniques. Dr. Carlson talks with you about your symptoms to develop a plan for you. That may include physical therapy and medications paired with talk therapy, for example. 

For serious flares of pain, Dr. Carlson offers targeted treatment, such as trigger point injections. 

Don’t let fibro flares rule your life. For help managing your fibro pain as it changes over time, call our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carlson.