Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Are The Differences?

Suffering from chronic pain is no easy feat. People who are suffering from any condition that brings chronic pain will face challenges in the following years to come. Apart from the physical pain and discomfort a chronic illness brings, getting an accurate diagnosis may take years due to similar symptoms of different illness that brings chronic pain.

For instance, fibromyalgia may show similar symptoms to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)and vice versa. These two conditions may also exist at the same time. If you’re a patient pursuing fibromyalgia relief in Kissimmee FL, familiarizing yourself with the similarities and differences between fibromyalgia and RA may also help you get the proper care you need. By understanding the critical differences between these two conditions, you will be in a better position to advocate for your health.

Facts About Fibromyalgia

• Central sensitization can lead to fibromyalgia.
• Despite musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, fibromyalgia doesn’t cause joint damage nor affect the levels of inflammatory hormones in the bloodstream. 
• Fibromyalgia brings tenderness to specific points in the body.
• About two percent of American adults have fibromyalgia.
• It is not uncommon for patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia to have rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Fibromyalgia risk factors include stress levels, lifestyle choices, and obesity.

Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis may originate from an immune system malfunction.
• RA may cause your cells to attack and damage tissues near the joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints like wrists, fingers, vertebral bones, and ankles. 
• Chronic rheumatoid arthritis may result in neuropathy because the swelling can impair nerve roots. 
• Studies note that 0.24 to 1 percent of the population has rheumatoid arthritis.
• It is not uncommon for patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis to have fibromyalgia.
• Rheumatoid arthritis risk factors include stress levels, lifestyle choices, and obesity.

Similarities of Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid arthritis

• Joint pains
• Stiffness in the body
• Sleeping problems
• Periodic flare-ups of symptoms

Differences Between Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis brings visible damage to joints, while fibromyalgia does affect the joints physically.
• RA gets progressively worse leading to swelling and potential deformities.
• Fibromyalgia brings widespread pain, while rheumatoid arthritis initially brings pain to the feet’ hands, wrists, knees, and balls.

A Closer Look At The Differences Between RA and Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Despite having similar symptoms, each symptom’s causes and overall impact on a patient can be different. Below are vital differences comparing similar fibromyalgia and RA symptoms.

#1. Pain

One of the most notable complaints among fibromyalgia or RA patients is pain. However, their triggers are different. One of the key differences between the two is inflammation. Fibromyalgia pain doesn’t stem from inflammation, while joint inflammation is a key symptom in RA. 

RA patients may notice joint pain on both sides of their bodies. For instance, if your right wrist joint is in pain, you may also notice pain in your left wrist.

Patients seeking fibromyalgia relief in Kissimmee FL, and from many other places report pain localized to one place, including the neck, shoulders, or back. Eventually, this pain may spread to other locations, and they will start to notice other pain symptoms, such as:

• Migraine or frequent headaches
• numbness and tingling
• Pelvic pain or abdominal cramps
• Pain in the face and jaw

#2. Cognitive symptoms

RA and fibromyalgia patients may also experience problems linked to attention and concentration. These may be related to the pain associated with these conditions, which makes it more difficult for the patient to focus or concentrate on things.

Experts found that fibromyalgia patients will have longer reaction times and more errors during an attention test.

#3. Sleep disturbances and fatigue

Both fibromyalgia and RA can bring sleep disturbances and fatigue to people who experience them. 

Fibromyalgia patients may experience more draining sleep problems. However, experts found that reduced sleep affects women with fibromyalgia more than it affects women with RA. Women with fibromyalgia also report feeling more daytime sleepiness and longer recovery time. For RA patients, the fatigue they experience can result from inflammation and anemia – which are common in RA patients. 

#4. Depression and anxiety

As with other illnesses, depression and anxiety may arise in patients with fibromyalgia and RA, affecting their quality of life. There are no notable differences between RA and fibromyalgia patients when developing a mental health condition. 

Experts found that Individuals experiencing chronic pain are at an increased risk of self-harm compared with the general population. Hence, it’s crucial to plan your approach carefully so you can better address the condition’s mental health impacts.

Getting an Official Diagnosis is Your First Step

Confusing your condition or symptoms will increase your overall stress and lead to anxiety. To help you understand the symptoms you experience, we encourage you to get diagnosed by your primary doctor. You may need to undergo blood tests, MRI scans, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures to pinpoint the possible explanation behind your pain. 

Once an official medical diagnosis is received, your physician can recommend appropriate measures. For example, your doctor might prescribe pain medications or general pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and even anti-depressants. You may also explore natural alternatives to ease the pain, such as upper cervical chiropractic care.

Upper Cervical Care: Your Option for Lasting Fibromyalgia Relief in Kissimmee FL

Upper cervical care is a holistic approach to support the body’s natural healing ability. This natural care focuses on restoring the alignment and balance in your spinal column–a critical factor in reducing risks for chronic disorders such as fibromyalgia.

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on aligning the top two bones in the neck—the atlas and axis bones—to relieve pressure on the brainstem and nerves exiting from the spinal cord in this area. When these bones are out of alignment, it can interfere with the proper communication between the brain and body. Unfortunately, this can lead to many health problems, including fibromyalgia. In addition, cervical bone misalignment can impact the brainstem, which helps regulate several body functions such as your sleeping cycle, digestion, and blood pressure.  

An upper cervical chiropractic doctor’s natural and non-invasive method is a gentle yet effective way to realign these bones. It has helped many people find relief from their chronic pain. Whether you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, you may find the benefits of upper cervical care helpful.

If you haven’t found a way to manage or cope with your symptoms for fibromyalgia relief in Kissimmee FL, we encourage you to try upper cervical chiropractic care. Our experienced and certified chiropractic doctor can slowly restore your spine’s curvature, letting you experience significant differences in your condition. 

It’s time to start holistically approaching your chronic pain disorder or systemic inflammatory disease. Call Pancake Wellness Center today at (407) 258-2860 or use this online contact form to book your appointment. You might be one call away from a life-changing pain relief option. Call us today!

To schedule a complimentary consultation, call our Kissimmee office at 407-846-9355, or you can also click one of the buttons below.

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If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.