Overview:
- Pregnancy is a beautiful, life-changing experience for many women, whether they’re affected by chronic pain or not.
- Regardless, a number of studies have found pregnancy can either help or hurt chronic pain conditions.
- In this blog, the team at Tulsa Pain Consultants explains what women should know about fibromyalgia and pregnancy.
First and foremost, fibromyalgia and chronic pain are two different ailments. Although these medical terms are used interchangeably, chronic pain is characterized as persistent pain (i.e. sharp, dull, achy, throbbing, etc.) that lasts longer than six to eight weeks, while fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness, as well as insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and occasionally, anxiety and depression, for longer than six to eight weeks.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic pain and fibromyalgia, but there are ways to manage symptoms. This is where Tulsa Pain Consultants comes in: our pain management specialists offer a wide variety of treatment options to help significantly reduce pain in those affected by these chronic pain conditions.
When it comes to pregnancy, however, there are a few things women should know about how fibromyalgia and chronic pain affect the experience. According to the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center in Michigan, some chronic diseases can be helped by pregnancy, while others cannot.
A study conducted in 2005 found pregnant women with fibromyalgia were more likely to experienced increased pain, fatigue, and psychological stress compared to women without the condition. Moreover, pregnancy was found to worsen “fibro fog,” a side effect of fibromyalgia that causes confusion, cognitive impairment, and forgetfulness, in some women. On the other hand, some of the study participants experienced an increase in oxytocin, a chemical produced during pregnancy, which helped ease fibromyalgia symptoms.
Although there is no way of predicting how women with fibromyalgia or chronic pain will respond to pregnancy, there are ways to cope with symptoms during the process. Participating in a support group, staying active, and making certain lifestyle modifications can help reduce pain symptoms. Additionally, seeking a pain management specialist well versed in pregnancy-safe pain management techniques helps!
Call Tulsa Pain Consultants today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians! We would be happy to walk you through safe, non-invasive pain treatment options.
Tulsa Pain Consultants is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.